A Nigerian national has been identified by Indian authorities as an alleged link in an international drug trafficking operation following the interception of a vessel carrying narcotics valued at about $330m.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad said the Nigerian allegedly served as an intermediary between a wanted suspect based in Gujarat and other members of the trafficking network.
The development followed a joint operation by the Gujarat ATS and the Indian Coast Guard on September 25, during which 526kg of suspected narcotics was recovered from an Iranian vessel in the Arabian Sea.
The seized consignment comprised about 400kg of methamphetamine and 126kg of heroin, according to the Indian authorities.
Investigators reportedly acted on intelligence about a meeting between the Nigerian and the wanted Gujarat-based suspect in Ahmedabad. The information was subsequently passed to the Coast Guard, which intercepted the vessel northwest of Lakshadweep.
Authorities alleged that the operation was connected to a wider trafficking network associated with Pakistan-based suspected drug trafficker, Haji Salim.
The drugs were allegedly destined for Punjab, where they were to be distributed across northern India. Investigators said the consignment was expected to be transferred from the Iranian vessel to a fishing boat in Indian waters before being moved towards the Tamil Nadu coast.
Five Pakistani nationals found aboard the intercepted vessel were arrested during the operation, while Indian investigators continued efforts to identify other suspects and determine the Nigerian's alleged role in the network.
The vessel was also reportedly carrying a Starlink communication device, which investigators suspected was being used to maintain contact with handlers in Pakistan.
The Gujarat ATS said investigations into the alleged international trafficking operation were ongoing.
