India has deported 32 Nigerians for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
Late last month, Delhi Police, in collaboration with the Telangana Police’s EAGLE unit, in the largest coordinated raids in the country, picked up 50 Nigerians involved in a transnational narcotics network.
According to security operatives, the suspects were linked to a wide drug distribution and hawala-laundering network operating in several major Indian cities, according to Times of India.
The network delivers drugs from Delhi, disguising shipments as legitimate courier deliveries.
Officials said the foreign operatives were working for a Nigerian suspect known as Nick, who has been wanted for multiple cases registered by the EAGLE unit.
A senior EAGLE official said Nick is suspected to be operating from Nigeria with 100 associates in Delhi alone.
“Analysis of the peddlers’ devices showed the network serves over 3,000 clients across India, based on payments traced. In one case, a publisher laundered 20 lakhs to Nigeria in collusion with the peddlers, and others collaborated with businesses in footwear and apparel,” the official said.
Of those arrested, 32 Nigerians were recently deported, while seven individuals from whom drugs were being prosecuted.
According to the officials, the remaining suspects may also be deported, as investigations continue to fish out persons or companies that facilitated money laundering for the syndicate.
