In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Delhi Police Special Cell have arrested four Nigerian students and an aide in a multi-location raid across India’s capital region.
The operation, one of the largest in recent years, led to the seizure of narcotics worth ₹27 crore (approximately N4.8 billion), including methamphetamine, MDMA, and Afghan heroin.
The syndicate was reportedly operating across several locations, including Tilak Nagar in West Delhi, Chhatarpur in South Delhi, and Greater Noida.
Acting on intelligence about a high-value methamphetamine exchange in Chhatarpur, authorities set up a targeted surveillance operation that resulted in the initial interception of a vehicle carrying 5.103 kilograms of high-grade crystal methamphetamine, valued at ₹10.2 crore.
Upon further investigation, officials discovered that the drugs had been sourced from an illegal operation known as the “African Kitchen” in Tilak Nagar, a notorious hub for narcotics trade.
A subsequent search of the premises uncovered additional contraband, including 1.156 kilograms of methamphetamine, 4.142 kilograms of Afghan heroin, and 5.776 kilograms of MDMA (Ecstasy pills), amounting to ₹16.4 crore in value.
The crackdown extended to a rented apartment in Greater Noida, where authorities seized another 389 grams of Afghan heroin and 26 grams of cocaine.
Investigators revealed that several members of the syndicate had entered India on student visas, enrolling in private universities in Delhi-NCR and Punjab to mask their illicit activities.
Some suspects reportedly laundered drug proceeds using cryptocurrency transactions.
Reacting to the bust, Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the NCB and Delhi Police for their relentless efforts in tackling drug trafficking.
“In line with the Modi government’s zero-tolerance policy on drugs, a major narco-network has been dismantled in Delhi-NCR. The NCB and Delhi Police successfully took down the syndicate, recovering methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine worth ₹27.4 crore. I applaud their efforts in this crucial operation,” he stated.
Authorities are now expanding their investigation to uncover the syndicate’s wider international network.
Citizens have been urged to report any suspicious drug-related activities to the National Narcotics Helpline, MANAS, via the toll-free number 1933.
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