Four Nigerian nationals have been detained in India following separate operations linked to an alleged drug trafficking syndicate, with authorities claiming to have recovered narcotics valued at about ₹15 crore, equivalent to roughly N2.1bn.
The arrests were carried out by the Narcotics Control Bureau in collaboration with the police and other security agencies during investigations targeting foreign nationals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade and immigration violations.
According to the NCB, the probe commenced on July 18 after intelligence supplied by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force prompted operatives to conduct a search in Khanpur, Delhi.
The operation led to the arrest of Obase Prosper Ogboronjor, from whom more than five kilogrammes of amphetamine were allegedly recovered.
The agency further linked Ogboronjor to a separate cybercrime investigation involving about ₹68 lakh.
It also alleged that the suspect had continued to reside in India after his medical visa expired in June 2023.
Investigators extended the operation to Hans Enclave in Gurugram on July 21, resulting in the arrest of another Nigerian, Abuchi George Okorie.
The NCB said 9.7kg of amphetamine and 67.84kg of pseudoephedrine were recovered from the premises.
The agency explained that pseudoephedrine, a controlled chemical, is capable of being diverted for the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine.
It added that Okorie allegedly remained in the country years after the expiration of his medical attendant visa in June 2015.
Another operation conducted in Mehrauli, Delhi, on August 3 reportedly yielded 318 grammes of cocaine and six grammes of heroin. During the raid, Uchenna Stephen Nwanko and Chikezie Joshua Igwe, both Nigerians, were taken into custody.
The NCB alleged that the two men had stayed illegally in India for more than 13 years. An unidentified African woman was also injured while allegedly trying to flee the premises by jumping from a balcony and was subsequently taken for medical attention.
The Indian agency has since directed landlords, hotels, guest houses and other accommodation providers to comply with requirements for reporting foreign nationals staying on their premises.
It also disclosed plans to commence a nationwide two-week operation, tagged “Trinetra”, in September to identify foreign nationals who are illegally resident in India and suspected of involvement in drug trafficking.
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