Date: 28 November 2025
In a sweeping coordinated operation across India, security forces have arrested 50 Nigerian nationals suspected of being part of a sprawling trans-national drug and illegal money-transfer network, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The crackdown described by investigators as “one of the largest and most coordinated anti-narcotics operations in recent years” was carried out by the Delhi Crime Branch in collaboration with the anti-drug unit of the Telangana Police known as EAGLE Force, along with support from police teams in Greater Noida, Gwalior, Visakhapatnam, and other locations.
Police sources say the traffickers supplied high-value synthetic narcotics including methamphetamine and cocaine — to major cities including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Goa, and Kerala. During raids carried out at 20 confirmed locations across Delhi and other Indian states, the operation led to the detention of suspected kingpins, drug peddlers, “mule” account holders, and individuals allegedly working as couriers. Women arrested in the raids are also suspected of being involved in drug sales and sex work, police said.
Investigators disclosed that the network used a dual-pronged structure: a covert “hawala” channel to launder drug-proceeds and a clandestine courier/dead-drop system to distribute illicit substances enabling the cartel to function across multiple states while evading detection.
Officials described the arrest of 50 Nigerians as a “pivotal moment” in the campaign to dismantle international drug-trafficking rings operating in India. The suspects are currently in custody pending further interrogation and legal proceedings.
The massive bust which reportedly disrupted a network serving thousands of customers signals renewed urgency by Indian authorities to curb narcotics distribution and clamp down on illicit money flows. Dalena Reporters will continue to follow this story, monitoring legal proceedings and possible links to international trafficking syndicates.