Has an International Drug Syndicate Been Dismantled in Delhi?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two Nigerian nationals arrested in Delhi drug bust.
- Drugs worth Rs 5 crore seized.
- Operation part of a broader crackdown on narcotics trafficking.
- Investigation ongoing to identify further syndicate members.
- Global drug networks are still active in the region.
New Delhi, Jan 18 (NationPress) The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has effectively dismantled a global drug syndicate operated by Nigerian nationals, resulting in the confiscation of cocaine and MDMA drugs valued at around Rs 5 crore.
This operation was executed by the WR-II unit of the Crime Branch as part of its unwavering commitment to combating narcotics.
The team seized 418 grams of cocaine and 925 tablets of Ecstasy/MDMA, apprehending two foreign nationals from various locations within the national capital, as stated by police on Sunday.
The Crime Branch reported that it had been diligently monitoring a drug trafficking network active in Delhi.
Acting on credible intelligence received on December 2, 2025, officials learned that a Nigerian national named Frank, previously involved in NDPS cases, had resumed the supply of psychotropic substances in South Delhi.
A team led by Inspector Akshay Gahlaut, under the guidance of ACP Rajpal Dabas and DCP Harsh Indora, IPS, conducted both technical and manual surveillance as the suspect frequently changed locations across South and South-West Delhi.
After persistent efforts, the team tracked and arrested Frank Victus in Delhi, recovering 418 grams of cocaine and 910 MDMA tablets from his possession.
Following this recovery, a case was registered, and further investigation led the team to another Nigerian national, identified as Sunday Otuu, who was reportedly the source of the drugs.
The Crime Branch indicated that through phone analysis and technical investigation, the accused was located in Mehrauli, where he was arrested. Fifteen tablets of ecstasy were seized from his rented accommodation.
During questioning, both suspects disclosed that the drug supply chain was overseen by a kingpin based in Nigeria, known as Elo Chukwu, with drugs being transported to Delhi via couriers, including an African woman, and distributed locally through intermediaries.
Frank revealed that he came to India in 2012 on a business visa and had been previously arrested by the NCB in 2015. After being released on bail in 2024, he allegedly resumed drug trafficking due to financial constraints.
Sunday Otuu, who arrived in India in 2015, admitted to coordinating drug deliveries using Nigerian WhatsApp numbers to minimize direct contact between suppliers.
The Crime Branch stated that ongoing investigations aim to identify additional members of the syndicate and trace the international network involved in drug trafficking.