Two Nigerians have been arrested in separate police operations in India for allegedly running drug cartels valued at over N700 million.
The suspects, identified as Chima Ibe, 40, and Chimezie Lazarus, 35, were apprehended in Maharashtra and Delhi, respectively, following weeks of surveillance by Indian anti-narcotics teams.
According to Indian media reports, Ibe was picked up by Tulinj Police in Nalasopara East during a midnight raid on his residence. Officers said he was caught with more than one kilogram of methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as “meth,” concealed in transparent bags.
The illicit drugs, estimated at ₹2.08 crore (N343 million), were recovered alongside ₹34,500 (N569,000) in cash. Police investigators disclosed that meth is sold for as high as ₹20,000 (N330,000) per gram in the Indian black market.
A police team led by API Sunil Pawar and PSI Dilip Ghuge carried out the sting after receiving a tip-off. Ibe has since been charged under Sections 8(c) and 21(c) of India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985.
In another bust, Delhi Police said Lazarus was arrested along with two Indian accomplices for allegedly running a cocaine distribution syndicate. He was found with 194 grams of cocaine worth about ₹2.25 crore (N371 million).
Police sources revealed that Lazarus, nicknamed “Zudo,” relocated to India in 2023 for medical treatment but allegedly turned to drug trafficking due to financial hardship.
He reportedly controlled a distribution network spanning Delhi, Gurugram, Meerut, Chandigarh, and Haldwani, using taxi drivers as couriers.
One officer was quoted as saying:“the accused doesn’t have any previous criminal record. Our investigation is now focused on unmasking the larger network, tracing its financial links and possible international connections.”
The arrests come barely two weeks after eight other Nigerians were rounded up in Kozhikode City for similar drug-related offences, raising concerns about the growing involvement of Nigerians in India’s narcotics trade.
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