At least 32 Nigerians have been deported from India following a sweeping investigation into what authorities described as one of the country’s largest transnational drug trafficking and money-laundering networks.
The deportations came after a series of coordinated raids late November by the Delhi Police in partnership with Telangana Police’s EAGLE unit, leading to the arrest of 50 Nigerian nationals believed to be part of a sprawling narcotics syndicate operating across several Indian cities.
Indian security operatives said the network used courier and logistics companies as cover to ship illicit substances from Delhi to various parts of the country.
A senior EAGLE official, quoted by Times of India, revealed that the syndicate was being coordinated by a cartel boss identified only as “Nick”, who is believed to be operating from Nigeria.
“After analysing the gadgets of the peddlers caught, it was found that the network has over 3,000 clientele across India. The assessment was done based on the payments received by the peddlers,” the official said.
Authorities say Nick allegedly controls over 100 associates in Delhi alone, with tentacles stretching into hawala money-laundering operations involving businessmen and other facilitators.
Investigators disclosed that one publisher was found to have laundered 20 lakh rupees to Nigeria in collaboration with members of the drug ring. Some peddlers reportedly partnered with footwear and apparel merchants to disguise proceeds of the trade.
The Delhi Police said the 32 Nigerians deported were prioritised because no drugs were recovered from them during the raids, although their immigration status and digital footprints linked them to the network.
Seven other suspects from whom drugs were recovered have been formally charged.
The remaining detainees may also face deportation after ongoing screening.
Indian authorities said the investigation is far from over, adding that more arrests are expected.
“The probe continues, and companies or individuals involved in laundering money for these gangs will be tracked and prosecuted,” an intelligence source said.
The large-scale crackdown has once again raised concerns over the rising involvement of foreign nationals—including Nigerians—in India’s rapidly expanding synthetic drug market.
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