Nigerian Students Arrested in Major Drug Bust in India

Drug Ring Exposed: Nigerian Family’s Students Arrested

​Indian authorities have dismantled a significant drug cartel operating in the Delhi-NCR region, resulting in the arrest of five individuals, including four Nigerian nationals purportedly from an influential family. The operation led to the seizure of narcotics valued at approximately ₹27.4 crore (about $3.7 million).

The joint operation by India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Delhi Police’s Special Cell targeted a network involved in distributing high-quality methamphetamine, heroin, MDMA, and ecstasy pills. The investigation revealed that the cartel members were enrolled as students in private universities across the National Capital Region (NCR) and Punjab, using their academic status as a cover for their illicit activities. ​

The operation commenced with surveillance in the Chhatarpur area of South Delhi, where authorities intercepted a vehicle carrying 5.1 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine valued at ₹10.2 crore. Subsequent interrogations led to raids at an “African Kitchen” in West Delhi’s Tilak Nagar, uncovering additional quantities of crystal methamphetamine, Afghan heroin, and MDMA pills. Further searches in Greater Noida resulted in the seizure of more heroin and cocaine.

The arrested individuals include Anca Musa (29), Abba Abu Umar (26), Ibrahim Ahmed Gumel (19), Lungi Naukhu (35), and Kushagra (23). Notably, one of the accused is the son of a diplomat, while another is related to a member of the Nigerian Olympic Association.

Authorities allege that the cartel facilitated the entry of African youths into India under the pretext of education, securing student visas for enrollment in private universities. However, some of these individuals were primarily involved in drug trafficking and illicit financial transactions, including cryptocurrency exchanges.