Indian Police Arrest 50 Nigerians in Nationwide Anti-Drug Operations

Authorities in India have arrested 50 Nigerians during a wave of coordinated anti-drug raids across several major states, marking one of the country’s largest narcotics crackdowns involving foreign nationals in recent months.

The arrests were carried out by India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), along with local police units in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Goa, and Hyderabad. Officials say the operations were targeted at breaking up networks suspected of distributing cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and synthetic party drugs.

According to Indian media reports, the suspects were picked up after a month-long surveillance effort that uncovered alleged links between the drug cells and international suppliers operating from West Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe.

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An NCB spokesperson said many of those arrested had overstayed their visas or had no valid travel documents. Some were allegedly found with forged papers, while others were accused of engaging in illegal nightlife activities used as cover for drug distribution.

“This is a multi-city operation aimed at dismantling a supply chain that has become increasingly active,” an official stated. “We will continue to collaborate with international partners to track the origin of these drugs.”

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The Nigerian community in India has expressed concern over the arrests, urging authorities to avoid profiling and to ensure that only those with verifiable evidence against them face prosecution.

Nigeria’s High Commission in New Delhi is said to be monitoring the situation closely and has begun requesting access to some of the detainees for consular support. Diplomatic sources say efforts are being made to verify identities and ensure that the rights of the arrested individuals are not violated.

Meanwhile, Indian security agencies have stepped up patrols around migrant communities, student hubs, and neighbourhoods with high nightlife activity, insisting the latest operation is part of a broader effort to curb drug abuse in the country.

The investigation remains ongoing, with more arrests expected in the coming weeks as authorities trace suppliers, couriers, and local buyers connected to the drug rings.