Four Nigerians, Aide Nabbed In N4.8Billion Drug Trafficking Crackdown In India
The drug network operated across Tilak Nagar in West Delhi, Chhatarpur in South Delhi, and Greater Noida, according to The Shillong Times.
Four Nigerians and an aide were arrested in a joint operation by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Delhi Police Special Cell, resulting in the seizure of narcotics worth Rs 27 crore (N4.8 billion), an official reported on Monday.
The drug network operated across Tilak Nagar in West Delhi, Chhatarpur in South Delhi, and Greater Noida, according to The Shillong Times.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the enforcement agencies for their efforts and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against drug trafficking.
The syndicate reportedly had its operations spread across Tilak Nagar in West Delhi, Chhatarpur in South Delhi, and Greater Noida.
Taking to social media platform X, Shah stated, “In line with the Modi government’s zero tolerance against drugs, a major narco-network was busted in Delhi-NCR.
“The NCB and Delhi Police grabbed the gang by its throat and recovered methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine worth Rs 27.4 crore, arresting five individuals. I applaud NCB and Delhi Police for this major breakthrough.”
The crackdown was initiated based on intelligence inputs about an impending exchange of high-quality methamphetamine in the Chhatarpur area.
Acting on this tip-off, a joint team from the NCB and the Delhi Police mounted surveillance on the suspected individuals.
Their efforts culminated in the interception of a vehicle, leading to the seizure of 5.103 kilogrammes of high-grade crystal methamphetamine valued at Rs 10.2 crore.
The five occupants, including four Nigerians linked to an influential family, were taken into custody.
Subsequent interrogations and technical tracking revealed that the drugs had been procured from an illegal “African kitchen” operating in Tilak Nagar, a known hotspot for the narcotics trade.
A search of the premises led to the discovery of additional contraband, including 1.156 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, 4.142 kilogrammes of Afghan heroin, and 5.776 kilogrammes of MDMA (Ecstasy pills), collectively valued at Rs 16.4 crore.
Further investigations led law enforcement agencies to a rented apartment in Greater Noida, where another 389 grams of Afghan heroin and 26 grammes of cocaine were recovered.
Officials revealed that the narcotics ring used student visas as a cover for foreign nationals involved in drug peddling.
Many members of the syndicate were enrolled in private universities across Delhi-NCR and Punjab, while others used their student status as a pretext to stay in India and facilitate drug distribution.
Some operatives also engaged in cryptocurrency transactions to launder drug money.
Authorities have urged citizens to contribute to the fight against narcotics by reporting illicit drug activities.
The NCB has encouraged people to share information through the National Narcotics Helpline, MANAS, at the toll-free number 1933.
Investigations into the syndicate’s wider network and possible international links are ongoing, officials added.
