Indian authorities have deported 32 Nigerian nationals allegedly connected to a sprawling transnational drug ring, following a sweeping multi-state operation that saw nearly 50 suspects arrested.
Two weeks ago, India had launched one of its biggest coordinated crackdowns targeting a foreign-led drug and hawala network operating across several major cities.
Fresh reports from the Times of India on Wednesday revealed that investigators traced the network to a Nigeria-based kingpin identified simply as “Nick,” who is reportedly wanted in several drug-trafficking cases.
According to senior officials in India’s Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE), all Nigerians arrested in Delhi were allegedly working directly for the fugitive kingpin.
“Less than 10 days after the EAGLE team, in coordination with the Delhi police, nabbed 50 Nigerians linked to drug peddling, 32 of them have been deported.
“During the probe, the officials found that the foreign drug peddlers were working for one Nick, who is wanted in multiple cases registered by EAGLE,” the report stated.
Officials also disclosed in the report that the fugitive kingpin, believed to be operating from Nigeria, maintained about 100 associates in Delhi alone, expanding what police now describe as a multi-layered supply chain that feeds clients nationwide.
Investigators told the Times of India that a forensic review of seized mobile phones and laptops revealed an extensive client base of more than 3,000 people nationwide.
Payment records, encrypted chats, and delivery contacts helped police reconstruct the syndicate’s operations.
Some of the money, authorities revealed, was funneled through businesses that appeared legitimate but functioned primarily as fronts for laundering drug proceeds.
Officials also uncovered a chain of companies allegedly used to move illicit funds, including a publishing outfit that reportedly transferred ₹20 lakh to Nigeria.
Several peddlers also collaborated with business owners dealing in footwear and clothing to disguise financial transactions linked to the drug trade.
Police say 32 of the arrested Nigerians were deported “as a priority,” while seven remain in custody and are facing prosecution after drugs were found in their possession.
The remaining suspects may also be deported once documentation and legal processes are completed.