No fewer than 50 Nigerians have been arrested in one of India’s biggest coordinated crackdowns on a transnational narcotics and money-laundering syndicate.

According to a report by NDTV on Thursday, the multi-agency operation was spearheaded by the Delhi Police with support from the EAGLE unit of the Telangana Police.

The arrests followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering, culminating in days of simultaneous raids across Delhi. The operation reportedly dismantled major layers of a cartel responsible for moving methamphetamine and cocaine across several Indian cities.

Investigators said the syndicate ran a highly sophisticated distribution network, using encrypted communication channels and app-style delivery methods that mimicked food-delivery platforms. The tactic allowed couriers to execute “dead drops,” avoiding face-to-face contact and reducing the risk of detection.

“The network was extremely sophisticated. They used layered communication channels and app-based delivery patterns to evade law enforcement,” the report said.

Officials also revealed that the drug ring was tightly linked to a sex-trade network, which provided both cover and logistics for drug circulation.

According to the report, more than 2,000 customers across India were supplied drugs through courier services and dead-drop locations.

The crackdown, carried out with the support of police units from Noida, Vizag and Gwalior, led to the arrest of 50 Nigerians believed to be key players within the cartel.

On the financial front, authorities uncovered a vast hawala money-laundering route. Drug proceeds were reportedly converted into goods such as garments and human hair, which were then exported to Lagos, Nigeria, disguising illicit funds as legitimate trade.

One suspected kingpin alone is believed to have laundered at least ₹15 crore through these channels, officials said.

Source; PM News