At least 50 Nigerians have been arrested in one of India’s largest coordinated operations targeting a transnational narcotics network linked to drug distribution and hawala money laundering across several major cities.
According to NDTV, the crackdown was led by the Delhi Police in collaboration with Telangana’s Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE), following months of intelligence gathering.
The operation involved simultaneous raids across Delhi, dismantling key cells of a cartel trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine nationwide.
Investigators said the network operated with “extreme sophistication,” using encrypted communication and delivery systems similar to food‑delivery platforms to execute drug “dead drops” and avoid direct contact.
Officials revealed that the cartel’s supply chain was intertwined with a sex‑trade ring, providing both cover and logistics.
Nearly 2,000 individuals were identified as recipients of drugs delivered through courier and dead‑drop methods.
Financial Laundering Through Hawala
On the financial front, the syndicate allegedly channeled illicit proceeds through hawala operators.
The money was converted into goods such as garments and human hair, exported to Lagos to disguise drug profits as legitimate trade.
One suspected kingpin is believed to have laundered at least ₹15 crore through these channels.
The arrest of the 50 Nigerians marks a major milestone in India’s multi‑agency efforts to dismantle what authorities described as an “entrenched and constantly evolving” narcotics network.
Previous arrests of Nigerian nationals in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Goa have been linked to synthetic‑drug trafficking rings.
Investigators say the next phase will target immigration loopholes, hawala financiers, and cartel leaders believed to be operating from outside India.
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