At least 50 Nigerians have been arrested in Delhi in one of India’s largest coordinated operations against a transnational drug network.
The Delhi Crime Branch, working with Telangana Police’s Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement, and teams from Noida, Vizag, and Gwalior, carried out the raids following months of intelligence gathering. The suspects are reportedly linked to a sprawling drug distribution and hawala-laundering syndicate operating across several Indian cities.
Investigators revealed that the cartel used encrypted communication and app-based delivery methods, similar to food-delivery apps, to carry out drug “dead drops” while avoiding face-to-face contact. The syndicate was also tied to a sex-trade ring, which helped cover and facilitate drug distribution. Authorities estimate the network supplied drugs to around 2,000 individuals using courier and dead-drop methods.
Proceeds from the drug sales were laundered through hawala operators and converted into goods such as garments and human hair, which were exported to Lagos, Nigeria, disguising the earnings as legitimate trade. Officials noted that one key suspect is believed to have laundered at least ₹15 crore through these channels.
