Seven Nigerians, One Nepali Arrested In India Drug Raid

Indian police have arrested eight people, including seven Nigerians and one Nepali, in connection with a drug bust involving narcotics worth over ₹1 crore.

The operation, which began in Noida and extended to parts of Delhi, unfolded over three days and led to multiple arrests tied to a suspected drug syndicate.

According to The Times of India, the crackdown started on June 16 when police arrested a Nepali man, Bimal Pahadi, in Noida’s Sector 39.

Police reportedly found 1.6 kilograms of sulpha and 116 grams of cocaine in his possession before he was immediately charged under India’s narcotics laws.

While being questioned, Pahadi allegedly gave details about a larger drug network, which led police to launch a series of raids in Delhi on June 18 and 19.

During those follow-up operations, seven more suspects, who are all Nigerian nationals, were taken into custody.

The Nigerians arrested were identified as Ugochukwu John (also known as David), Nnajiofor Peter Nmaemeka, Henry Onuchukwu, Ojukwa Ifenya, Friday Tobias Chikwu, and Okolie Romanus.

In addition, police also arrested an Indian man, Lal Kothari, from Aizawl, Mizoram.

All suspects, except Pahadi, were arraigned before the court on June 20, while Pahadi remains in custody and is being further questioned by investigators.

Authorities believe the group was running a cross-border drug operation, using Delhi and Noida as major hubs for distribution.

A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the arrests as a major blow to a well-organized international drug network.

Police say investigations are ongoing, and more arrests could follow as they uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s operations.

KanyiDaily recalls that a U.S federal court recently sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a combined 159 years in prison for their roles in a massive international fraud scheme.