India has deported 32 Nigerian nationals less than 10 days after the EAGLE anti-narcotics team, working with the Delhi Police, arrested 50 foreign nationals linked to an alleged drug-peddling ring The Times of India has reported.

According to senior EAGLE officials quoted by the newspaper, investigators discovered that the suspects were part of an extensive drug network reportedly coordinated by a man known as Nick, believed to be operating from Nigeria. 

“During the probe, the officials found that the foreign drug peddlers were working for one Nick, who is wanted in multiple cases registered by EAGLE,” the report stated.

Officials described Nick as the mastermind of a widespread trafficking operation with “about 100 associates in Delhi alone.” 

An examination of seized gadgets allegedly revealed that the network had over 3,000 clients across India, based on payment records traced during the investigation.

Authorities also uncovered suspected money-laundering links involving individuals and companies in India. 

“In one instance, a publisher was involved in laundering ₹20 lakh to Nigeria by joining hands with peddlers. Similarly, peddlers have tied up with businessmen dealing with footwear and apparel,” sources told the newspapaper.

One of the arrested men, identified as Badruddin, was described as an associate of Nick. Although he reportedly claimed to operate a garments business, it’s reported that the business did not exist in reality. 

Instead, he allegedly registered a fake firm to launder proceeds from drug sales. Police reportedly discovered that ₹15 crore deposited into his accounts had been withdrawn almost immediately and circulated through multiple hands with the help of other businessmen.

EAGLE is expected to take Badruddin into further custody, and he may be listed as an accused in related cases filed in Telangana.

Of the 50 Nigerians arrested earlier, 32 were deported “on priority,” while seven others face criminal charges after drugs were recovered from them. The remaining detainees may also be deported.

Officials said the alleged traffickers distributed drugs using courier services, disguising shipments as regular goods. CCTV footage reviewed at courier kiosks reportedly showed operators only performing “external verification,” without checking for concealed substances carried by the foreign nationals.

The probe continues, with authorities also preparing to track and charge individuals who allegedly helped facilitate the movement of drug money.

Vanguard News