Two Nigerian men, identified as 40-year-old Chima Ibe and 35-year-old Chimezie Lazarus, have been arrested in India for alleged drug trafficking in separate police operations.
Both suspects are currently facing trial after authorities linked them to narcotics worth hundreds of millions of naira.
Ibe was arrested in Nalasopara East by officers of the Tulinj Police during a midnight raid on Monday. He was reportedly living in Pragatinagar, Nalasopara, where police recovered more than one kilogram of methylenedioxy-methamphetamine. The drugs, packed in transparent bags, were valued at over ₹2.08 crore, which amounts to about N343 million. Cash amounting to ₹34,500, equivalent to about N569,000, was also found during the search. Investigators confirmed the substance as meth and placed Ibe in custody under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985.
In another case in Delhi, the Crime Branch dismantled a drug network and arrested Lazarus along with two Indian associates. The operation began on September 6, when police intercepted a planned delivery of cocaine in Rohini. Two men, identified as Kadir and Wadhwa, were caught with small quantities of the substance. Further investigation led officers to Lazarus, who was traced to Mehrauli. He was arrested on September 10 with 109 grams of cocaine, adding to the 85 grams earlier seized from his associates. In total, 194 grams of cocaine worth ₹2.25 crore, about N371 million, was recovered.
Police sources revealed that Lazarus had entered India in January 2023 for medical reasons but later turned to drug trafficking. He allegedly managed a distribution chain across Delhi, Gurugram, Meerut, Chandigarh, and Haldwani, using former taxi drivers as couriers. These drivers were reportedly paid small amounts for each delivery while he controlled the supply.
Both arrests have drawn attention to the rising number of Nigerians linked to drug trafficking in India. Earlier in September, eight other Nigerians were taken into custody in Kozhikode City for similar offences. The authorities are now working to track the wider network, its financial links, and possible international connections.