Indian security operatives have linked a Nigerian national to a suspected international drug syndicate following the seizure of narcotics valued at over $330 million in the Arabian Sea.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) identified the Nigerian as an alleged middleman between a wanted suspect in Gujarat and other members of the trafficking network.
The drugs, comprising 400kg of methamphetamine and 126kg of heroin, totaling 526kg, were recovered on September 25 during a joint operation by the Gujarat ATS and the Indian Coast Guard.
According to investigators, intelligence report of a meeting between the Nigerian and the Gujarat-based suspect in Ahmedabad led to the interception of an Iranian vessel northwest of Lakshadweep.
Five Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel were arrested during the operation. The vessel was reportedly fitted with a Starlink device allegedly used to communicate with handlers in Pakistan.
Preliminary investigation showed that the consignment was meant to be transferred to a fishing boat in Indian waters, moved to the Tamil Nadu coast, and then transported to Punjab for distribution across northern India.
The police linked the operation to a wider drug network allegedly run by Pakistan-based suspected drug baron, Haji Salim.
The Gujarat ATS said investigation is still ongoing to establish the Nigerian’s exact role and track other members of the syndicate.
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