Indian authorities have arrested a Nigerian national accused of running a large-scale online drug distribution network that allegedly supplied narcotics to at least 1,975 buyers in the state of Telangana.
According to details sourced from an investigative report published by the Times of India, the suspect — identified only as Nick — is believed to have coordinated drug sales worth an estimated N812m (Rs 5 crore) over two months.
The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau uncovered the network while probing earlier cases linked to Malnadu Restaurant and Mahindra University.
Investigators say Nick operated remotely from abroad, using two foreign phone numbers to receive orders placed through an online platform.
“He is a major cartel operator based outside India, coordinating deliveries through a network of Nigerian handlers,” the report stated.
Authorities disclosed that about 30 courier service centres frequently patronised by the cartel were placed under surveillance. Their findings also revealed that items bought from online marketplace Flipkart were allegedly used to conceal narcotics before delivery.
This concealment strategy led investigators to identify several Nigerians in Delhi who had made unusually large online purchases.
“The analysis exposed the entire supply chain, from procurement to distribution,” an official familiar with the investigation was quoted as saying.
“All suspects traced in connection with the Telangana cases have now been transferred to the Anti-Narcotics Bureau for further interrogation.”
The arrest comes shortly after more than 50 Nigerians were detained during a separate crackdown targeting overstayed visas and suspected criminal activity in Telangana and Delhi, conducted jointly by Eagle Force, the Narcotics Control Bureau, the Delhi Police Crime Branch, and Noida Police.
Indian authorities say the latest arrest adds to a growing list of cases involving Nigerians in the country, including allegations of drug trafficking, robbery, visa violations, and violent crimes.
A senior Telangana investigator commented, “This operation is a major breakthrough in dismantling transnational networks exploiting online platforms for illegal drug trade.”
