Operation Eagle Force: Inside the Takedown of a Nationwide Nigerian Drug Cartel Network

Titing Guite, a significant mule account holder, was apprehended in Delhi's Munirka area.

A sophisticated Nigerian drug cartel with an extensive nationwide supply and money laundering network has been successfully dismantled following an elaborate joint operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies across India.

The meticulously coordinated operation, code-named 'Operation Eagle Force', was executed by Eagle Force Telangana in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Delhi Police Crime Branch, and Noida Police. Simultaneous raids across 20 locations in Delhi, Noida, Gwalior, and Visakhapatnam resulted in the arrest of over 50 overstaying Nigerian nationals and seizure of illicit substances valued at approximately Rs 3.5 crores on the street.

The investigation originated from intelligence gathered during two local narcotics cases in Cyberabad - the Malnadu Restaurant case and the Mahindra University case. Initial leads traced drug orders to a principal cartel operator in Nigeria identified only as "Nick," who remotely coordinated the entire operation using both international (+234) and domestic phone lines.

Further investigation revealed the extensive reach of the operation, which supplied narcotics to more than 2,000 consumers and distributors throughout India.

The cartel employed a sophisticated financial mechanism, utilizing 59 identified 'mule accounts' exclusively for collecting drug sale proceeds. Funds were rapidly withdrawn, and transaction details transferred to overseas handlers. Analysis of just 27 primary bank accounts revealed total credits exceeding Rs 7.88 crore, indicating widespread money laundering activities.

The cartel operated from residential "ghettos" in Delhi, including Munirka, Lado Sarai, and Sant Garh. For nationwide distribution, the network relied heavily on major courier services, including DTDC, Blue Dart, Shiprocket, and India Post.

To avoid detection, narcotics were expertly concealed within ordinary parcels. Drugs were frequently hidden inside everyday items such as shoes, garments, cosmetics, and slippers. This required regular purchases of merchandise, which investigators traced to multiple Nigerian operatives using large-scale online shopping platforms.

One TrackOn parcel addressed to Mansoor Oddakal of Calicut contained 160 grams of MDMA hidden within shirts, while another package sent to Taran Parmar contained cocaine concealed in clothing items.

The multi-state operation significantly disrupted the cartel's infrastructure. Beyond the arrest of over 50 foreign nationals, key apprehensions included Badruddin and associate Sama Umar in Greater Noida, who maintained luxurious lifestyles. Badruddin was identified as a cartel kingpin and money launderer, channeling nearly Rs 15 crore through six bank accounts under the pretense of operating a garment business.

Titing Guite, a major mule account operator, was arrested in Munirka, Delhi, while Yuvraj Solanki was apprehended in Gwalior.

In total, authorities froze 107 bank accounts connected to the syndicate and identified 16 major cartel hubs in Delhi.

The seized narcotics included:

5,340 Ecstasy Pills

250 grams of Cocaine

250 grams of Methamphetamine

109 grams of Heroin

The operation's success stemmed from meticulous planning and professional coordination. Eagle Force conducted independent surveillance for 15 days, with senior leadership performing reconnaissance on foot for five days to assess the sensitive residential areas. This groundwork was crucial for obtaining search warrants for 50 locations after presenting compelling evidence to the judiciary.

The execution was precisely coordinated, with 124 Eagle Force officers traveling by train to Delhi on November 25th and joining forces with 120 Delhi Crime Branch officers. On November 27th, 20 raid teams comprising personnel from both agencies simultaneously targeted 20 locations at 4:30 AM.

EAGLE Director Sandeep Shandilya highlighted several systemic issues enabling such cartels to flourish, including blatant misuse of financial channels for money laundering.

Other concerns included insufficient control over courier services facilitating drug parcels and the ease with which deported drug criminals re-enter India using duplicate passports or false pretenses on student/business visas.

The agencies also noted a dangerous convergence of drug trafficking and sex trafficking, particularly involving foreign nationals on student visas.

Seven of the arrested Nigerians had previous drug-related charges but were moving freely. This has prompted calls for Movement Restriction Orders and detention until criminal proceedings conclude or cases are withdrawn for immediate deportation.