Indian police have arrested eight people, including seven Nigerians and one Nepali, in a major drug raid that took place in Noida and Delhi.
Authorities say the group was part of a large international drug network.
According to a report by The Times of India on Saturday, the operation began on June 16 when the police arrested a Nepali man, Bimal Pahadi, in Sector 39, Noida. He was found with 1.6 kilograms of sulpha and 116 grams of cocaine. A case was immediately filed under India’s drug laws.
During questioning, Pahadi reportedly told the police about others involved in the drug supply chain. This led to more raids in Delhi on June 18 and 19, where seven Nigerian nationals were picked up.
The Nigerians arrested have been identified as Ugochukmv John, also known as David; Nnajiofor Peter Nmaemeka; Henry Onuchukwu; Ojukwa Ifenya; Friday Tobias Chikwu; and Okolie Romanus. Another man, Lal Kothari, an Indian from Mizoram, was also arrested.
All seven Nigerians were taken to court on June 20, while Pahadi remains in custody for more questioning.
Indian police believe the group was running a drug network that stretches beyond India. A senior officer, who spoke anonymously, said, “This is a significant blow to an organised, cross-border drug syndicate. The network appears to have far-reaching international connections.”
Investigations are still ongoing, and the police say more arrests may follow as they continue to track down others involved in the drug ring.
