Four Nigerians arrested in India over drug trafficking

Indian authorities have arrested four Nigerian nationals in connection with a significant drug trafficking network, seizing narcotics worth approximately ₹15 crore (₦ 2.1 billion). The arrests were the result of coordinated operations by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), state police, and other security agencies targeting foreign nationals allegedly involved in drug trafficking and visa violations.

“

The operation resulted in the seizure of over 5 kg of amphetamine and the arrest of a Nigerian national, Obase Prosper Ogboronjor.

The investigation commenced on July 18 after intelligence led operatives to Khanpur, Delhi, where the first arrest was made. Obase Prosper Ogboronjor, a Nigerian national, was apprehended with over 5 kg of amphetamine. The NCB revealed that Ogboronjor was also wanted by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force for a cyber-fraud case involving approximately ₹68 lakh and had been overstaying his medical visa since June 2023.

A subsequent operation on July 21 in Gurugram led to the arrest of Abuchi George Okorie, from whom 9.7 kg of amphetamine and 67.84 kg of pseudoephedrine were recovered. Pseudoephedrine is a controlled substance used in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine. Okorie had allegedly remained in India beyond his medical attendant visa, which expired in June 2015.

“

The accused was also wanted by the STF in a major cyber-fraud case involving approximately ₹68 lakh, adding that he had been overstaying in India despite the expiration of his medical visa in June 2023.

Further investigations uncovered more narcotics at a property in Mehrauli, Delhi, on August 3. Uchenna Stephen Nwanko and Chikezie Joshua Igwe were arrested during this operation, with the agency alleging they had been living illegally in India for over 13 years. During the same raid, an unidentified African woman sustained injuries while attempting to escape by jumping from a balcony and is currently receiving medical treatment.

“

A follow-up action led to the seizure of 9.7 kg of amphetamine and 67.84 kg of pseudoephedrine from Hans Enclave in Gurugram, as well as the arrest of another Nigerian national, Abuchi George Okorie.

Following these arrests, the NCB issued a directive to hotels, guest houses, and landlords, reminding them of their legal obligations to report the stay of foreign nationals. The agency emphasized the importance of complying with regulations to curb illegal activities.

“

Based on the findings, the agency zeroed in on a premises in Mehrauli, Delhi, from which 318 grams of cocaine and 6 grams of heroin were seized on August 3.