Nigerian Allegedly Linked to International Drug Network After $330m Narcotics Seizure in India

A Nigerian national has allegedly been linked to an international drug trafficking network following the interception of an Iranian vessel carrying narcotics valued at more than $330 million in the Arabian Sea.

The operation was conducted by India’s Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard on September 25, leading to the seizure of about 526 kilograms of narcotics from the vessel.

Authorities said the consignment included approximately 400 kilograms of methamphetamine and 126 kilograms of heroin.

According to investigators, the Nigerian national allegedly acted as an intermediary between a wanted suspect based in Gujarat and other members of the suspected trafficking network.

Investigators were reportedly alerted after receiving intelligence about a meeting between the Nigerian and the wanted suspect in Ahmedabad. The information prompted the Gujarat ATS to alert the Indian Coast Guard, which subsequently intercepted the Iranian vessel in the Arabian Sea.

Five Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel were arrested during the operation, according to Indian authorities.

Investigators allege that the suspected network is associated with Pakistan-based drug trafficker Haji Salim and had planned to transport the narcotics to Punjab for distribution across northern India.

Authorities further alleged that the drugs were to be transferred from the Iranian vessel to a fishing boat within Indian waters before being moved towards the Tamil Nadu coast.

The intercepted vessel was also reportedly carrying a Starlink communication device. Investigators suspect the device may have been used to maintain contact with handlers based in Pakistan.

The investigation remains ongoing as Indian authorities work to identify other suspected members of the network and establish the Nigerian national’s precise role, if any, in the alleged trafficking operation. The allegations have not been established in court.