NEWS
Drug Trafficking Crackdown in India as 32 Nigerians Deported, Delhi Police, EAGLE Uncover International Network Led by ‘Nick’, Linked to Money Laundering, Publishers and Businessmen
In a major breakthrough against cross-border drug trafficking, Indian authorities have deported 32 Nigerians connected to a vast drug-peddling and money-laundering cartel allegedly controlled by a Nigeria-based kingpin known only as “Nick.”
This follows a coordinated operation carried out less than ten days ago by the EAGLE team in partnership with the Delhi Police, during which 50 Nigerians were apprehended for their involvement in illicit drug distribution across India.
The ongoing investigation has revealed that the suspects belonged to an organized syndicate with an extensive customer base cutting across multiple Indian states. A senior EAGLE official confirmed the scale of the operation, saying:
“Nick, who is suspected to be operating from Nigeria, has about 100 associates in Delhi alone.”
Officials further disclosed that digital analysis carried out on seized gadgets revealed transactions and communications pointing to over 3,000 regular drug clients across India. The discovery was made by tracing payment trails attributed to the arrested peddlers.
Investigators have also stumbled upon a sophisticated money laundering network involving Indian businessmen and publishers who allegedly partnered with the drug syndicate.
An official revealed: “In one instance, a publisher was involved in laundering 20 lakh to Nigeria by joining hands with peddlers. Similarly, peddlers have tied up with businessmen dealing with footwear and apparel.”
The probe further uncovered the case of one Badruddin, identified as an accomplice of Nick, who deceptively registered a fake garments firm solely for laundering proceeds from drug sales. Although he claims to own a clothing business, he has no real commercial operations in India.
Authorities also found ₹15 crore deposited into his accounts, which were instantly withdrawn and circulated among other business partners. Badruddin is expected to be taken into custody and may be cited as a primary suspect by EAGLE in pending cases filed in Telangana.
While 32 Nigerians have already been deported on priority, officials confirm that criminal charges have been formally registered against seven individuals found in possession of drugs. The remaining suspects are also likely to face deportation after investigative procedures are concluded.
Authorities further revealed how the syndicate supplied drugs through courier services, disguising illegal shipments as commercial products from Delhi. CCTV checks at courier hubs showed attendants verifying packages externally without checking for concealed banned substances, enabling easy transportation of narcotics across India.
Officials say the investigation remains in its early stages, promising more arrests and seizures in the coming days. Financial facilitators, whether individuals or corporate entities are now under surveillance and will face legal action for aiding drug cartels.
The EAGLE team has vowed to intensify its crackdown to dismantle what appears to be one of the most extensive foreign-led drug operations in India’s recent history.