Nigerians arrested in India over major drug trafficking bust
Four Nigerian nationals have been arrested in India for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking network. Authorities recovered narcotics worth approximately ₹15 crore (₦2.1 billion) during several coordinated operations. The arrests involved the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), state police, and other agencies targeting foreign nationals suspected of drug trafficking and visa violations. Several of those arrested were also accused of overstaying their visas and involvement in cyber-fraud cases.
What happened
- The investigation began on July 18 after intelligence from the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force led police to Khanpur, Delhi, resulting in the arrest of Obase Prosper Ogboronjor.
- Ogboronjor was also wanted in connection with a cyber-fraud case involving approximately ₹68 lakh and had overstayed his medical visa, which expired in June 2023.
- A follow-up operation on July 21 in Hans Enclave, Gurugram, led to the arrest of Abuchi George Okorie and the seizure of 9.7 kg of amphetamine and 67.84 kg of pseudoephedrine.
- Further investigations led to a property in Mehrauli, Delhi, where on August 3, 318 grams of cocaine and 6 grams of heroin were seized, and Uchenna Stephen Nwanko and Chikezie Joshua Igwe were arrested.
- The NCB announced a nationwide campaign, ‘Trinetra’, to be launched in the first week of September 2026 to identify illegally overstaying foreign nationals suspected of drug trafficking.
