Major Drug Bust: 50 Nigerian Nationals Arrested in Pan-India Narcotics and Hawala Operation

Hyderabad:

The Delhi Crime Branch recently orchestrated one of the most extensive coordinated pan-India operations against a transnational narcotics network, successfully dismantling a widespread drug and hawala operation.

Following months of meticulous intelligence gathering, authorities arrested 50 Nigerian nationals in Delhi. This comprehensive operation was executed through close collaboration between the Telangana Police's Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement and police units from Noida, Vizag, and Gwalior.

The unprecedented multi-agency effort involved the Telangana EAGLE force deploying 120 personnel to Delhi, who traveled in two dedicated railway compartments. These officers remained in Delhi for several weeks, providing crucial support in intelligence development, surveillance operations, and coordinated raids.

Investigators successfully disrupted multiple layers of the syndicate that had established operations across major cities including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Goa, and Kerala, distributing high-value synthetic substances such as Methamphetamine and Cocaine.

A significant investigative breakthrough revealed approximately 2,000 individuals who received drugs through sophisticated courier services and "dead-drop" delivery methods.

The criminal network employed advanced operational security, utilizing encrypted communications and mimicking food delivery services to execute contactless transfers, effectively evading direct detection.

Authorities also discovered that sex trade operations were being used as a cover for drug distribution activities, further extending the cartel's criminal influence.

Financial investigations yielded substantial findings, revealing that drug proceeds were channeled through local hawala operators who converted Indian Rupees into commodities including garments and human hair. These goods were subsequently shipped to Lagos, Nigeria, effectively laundering the illicit funds.

According to police sources, the now-identifiable kingpin has single-handedly laundered an estimated Rs 15 crore through these sophisticated hawala networks.

The arrest of these 50 Nigerian nationals represents a critical milestone in the multi-agency campaign to eliminate persistent drug cartels.

Law enforcement officials have emphasized the importance of targeting specific hawala channels and strengthening verification processes for foreign residents to combat the ongoing drug threat and prevent previously deported individuals from exploiting weaknesses in visa and passport systems to re-enter the country.