Indian authorities have stepped up their offensive against transnational narcotics networks with the deportation of 32 Nigerians alleged to be linked to a sprawling drug-trafficking ring believed to be coordinated from Nigeria.
The mass deportation followed a sweeping multi-state raid carried out two weeks ago, which Indian security agencies described as one of the largest coordinated crackdowns targeting a foreign-run drug and hawala network.
Fresh insights published by the Times of India last week suggest that the dismantled syndicate is overseen by a Nigeria-based cartel leader identified simply as “Nick,” who is said to be on the radar of investigators for multiple drug-related offences.
According to senior officials of India’s Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE), all Nigerian suspects apprehended in Delhi were allegedly operatives working under the fugitive kingpin.
“Less than 10 days after the joint operation by the EAGLE team and Delhi Police resulted in the arrest of 50 Nigerians involved in drug peddling, 32 have now been deported,” the report confirmed.
Investigators were said to have uncovered a layered operational structure involving foreign nationals tasked with distributing narcotics across major Indian cities.
“Nick,” believed to be coordinating activities from Nigeria, reportedly maintains more than 100 foot soldiers in Delhi alone.
A forensic sweep of seized phones and laptops reportedly revealed a vast nationwide client base of over 3,000 customers. Authorities reconstructed the network’s internal workings using payment trails, encrypted communications and logistics contacts obtained during the probe.
Investigators also traced part of the illicit proceeds to businesses posing as legitimate enterprises but allegedly set up primarily to launder drug money.
An intricate chain of companies was linked to the operation, including a publishing outfit said to have remitted ₹20 lakh to Nigeria.
Several local traders dealing in footwear and clothing were also implicated for allegedly assisting traffickers in concealing financial transactions tied to drug sales.
Police said 32 Nigerians were deported “as a priority,” while seven others remain in custody and will face prosecution after drugs were found in their possession. Authorities added that additional suspects may also be removed from the country once legal and documentation procedures are finalised.