A Nigerian national has been linked by Indian authorities to an international drug trafficking network following the seizure of narcotics valued at more than $330 million in the Arabian Sea.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad said the Nigerian allegedly acted as an intermediary between a wanted Gujarat-based suspect and other members of the trafficking network.
The seizure was made on September 25 during a joint operation involving the Gujarat ATS and the Indian Coast Guard. Authorities recovered 526kg of narcotics, including 400kg of methamphetamine and 126kg of heroin, from an Iranian vessel.
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According to investigators, intelligence about a meeting between the Nigerian and the wanted suspect in Ahmedabad led authorities to alert the Coast Guard, which intercepted the vessel northwest of Lakshadweep.
Five Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel were arrested. Investigators allege that the consignment was linked to a network associated with Pakistan-based suspected drug trafficker Haji Salim and was intended for distribution across northern India.
The Gujarat ATS said investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the suspected network and determine the Nigerian national’s specific role in the operation.
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