Authorities in India have arrested a Nigerian man accused of supplying drugs to nearly two thousand buyers across Telangana.
Reports from the Times of India on Friday said the suspect, identified as Nick, allegedly moved drugs worth about N812 million through online transactions.
The report, confirmed on Sunday, stated that Nick ran the operation from abroad and relied on digital platforms to connect with 1,975 consumers in the state.
According to the publication, “A Nigerian drug cartel supplying narcotics to 1,975 consumers in Telangana has transacted nearly Rs 5 crore worth of drugs online in just two months.”
The arrest comes shortly after a major operation in which more than 50 Nigerians were picked up for overstaying during a joint raid by Eagle Force Telangana, the Narcotics Control Bureau, the Delhi Police Crime Branch, and officers from Noida.
Investigators said the latest arrest followed ongoing probes into the Malnadu Restaurant and Mahindra University cases, which were opened months earlier. Officials from the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau discovered that orders were being placed directly with Nick, described as a key operator believed to be based in Nigeria.
The report added, “He used two phone numbers, both operated from abroad. Around 30 courier offices frequently used by Nigerian handlers to ship drugs were mapped.”
Authorities said merchandise bought on Flipkart was also used to hide illegal substances during shipping. The analysis helped identify several Nigerians in Delhi who reportedly made multiple large online purchases, which exposed the wider network.
Police said all suspects linked to the case and wanted by Telangana investigators had now been handed over to the appropriate agency for further action.
Friday’s development adds to rising cases involving Nigerians in India, including arrests tied to visa violations, drug offences, robbery and suspected murder.
