Did Delhi Police Uncover an International Drug Syndicate?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Delhi Police Crime Branch successfully dismantled an international drug syndicate.
- Seizure of 6,895 grams of methamphetamine valued at Rs 21 crore.
- Involvement of Nigerian suppliers in narcotics trafficking.
- Use of 'dead drop' techniques to avoid detection.
- Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend more members of the syndicate.
New Delhi, Sep 3 (NationPress) In a significant victory against drug trafficking, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has dismantled an international drug syndicate, apprehending six individuals, including two Nigerian nationals and a woman, across locations in Delhi, Greater Noida, and Bengaluru.
Approximately 7 kg of methamphetamine, valued at Rs 21 crore, has been confiscated. Investigations reveal that the syndicate was primarily managed by individuals from Kerala, operating out of Bengaluru, while the drugs were sourced from Nigerian suppliers.
The operation, orchestrated by the WR-II unit of the Crime Branch under the leadership of DCP Harsh Indora, IPS, was initiated following intelligence from Kerala Police. The crackdown commenced on July 19, leading to the arrest of Suhail (31) and Sujin (32), both from Kerala, at a guest house in South-West Delhi.
Nearly 6 kg of methamphetamine was seized from them. Subsequent investigations traced their distribution network to Bengaluru, Kerala, and other regions in South India. This led to the identification of Toby Deco, a Nigerian national, who was apprehended in Mohan Garden, Delhi, with 64 grams of meth.
Moreover, an additional 865 grams were discovered in his rented accommodation. He admitted to supplying drugs to Suhail and revealed connections with syndicate leaders in Nigeria. The investigation moved to Bengaluru, where police arrested Suha Fatima (alias Neha) (29) and her spouse, Md Zaheed (alias Firoze) (29), who funded Suhail’s operations.
An additional arrest was made in Greater Noida of another Nigerian, Chikwado Nnake Kingsley (29).
“Chikwado disclosed that he came to India in 2015 under the guise of seeking medical treatment and has remained here since. He was introduced to the drug trade by two compatriots, Chigmo and Ajuko, with the latter now operating from Nigeria via WhatsApp and social media,” stated the Delhi Police in their press release.
During questioning, the accused revealed that the syndicate employed “dead drop” techniques, leaving drug packets at secluded locations and communicating with buyers via images and GPS coordinates to avoid detection.
Their primary clientele included students and IT professionals in Bengaluru. Police noted that Suhail, previously an addict, transitioned into a major trafficker after prior arrests in Kerala. His operations in Bengaluru were financed by Fatima and Zaheed, while the Nigerians acted as suppliers. In total, 6,895 grams of methamphetamine were seized.
Authorities are actively working to identify additional financiers and trace the kingpin, who is believed to be operating from Nigeria.
“Continued investigations are underway to comprehensively dismantle this syndicate and apprehend all involved in the distribution of psychotropic substances. This extensive effort highlights the Crime Branch's commitment to combatting the drug menace across Delhi NCR and India,” remarked DCP Harsh Indora.