A Nigerian national has reportedly been linked to an international drug trafficking network following the seizure of narcotics worth more than $330 million in India.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) allegedly identified the Nigerian as an intermediary connecting a wanted suspect in Gujarat with other members of the suspected drug syndicate.
The investigation followed a joint operation involving the Gujarat ATS and the Indian Coast Guard on September 25, when an Iranian vessel was intercepted in the Arabian Sea.
Security operatives recovered 526kg of narcotics from the vessel, comprising 400kg of methamphetamine and 126kg of heroin.
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Investigators were reportedly alerted after receiving information about a meeting between the Nigerian and a wanted Gujarat-based suspect in Ahmedabad.
The intelligence prompted the ATS to notify the Coast Guard, which later intercepted the Iranian vessel northwest of Lakshadweep.
According to investigators, the Nigerian allegedly maintained links with a trafficking network associated with Pakistan-based suspected drug trafficker Haji Salim.
Authorities believe the seized drugs were being moved to Punjab for distribution across northern India.
Investigators said the suspected plan involved transferring the narcotics from the Iranian vessel to a fishing boat in Indian waters before transporting them towards the Tamil Nadu coast and onward to their final destinations.
Five Pakistani nationals aboard the Iranian vessel were arrested during the operation.
The vessel was also reportedly found carrying a Starlink device, which investigators alleged was being used to communicate with handlers based in Pakistan.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify other suspected members of the network and establish the Nigerian’s precise role in the alleged operation.
The Gujarat ATS said investigations into the suspected international drug trafficking network are ongoing.
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