A Nigerian national has been linked by Indian authorities to an international drug trafficking network following the seizure of narcotics worth more than $330m in the Arabian Sea.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad identified the Nigerian as an alleged intermediary between a wanted Gujarat-based suspect and other members of the network. Investigators said intelligence about a meeting between the two in Ahmedabad prompted authorities to alert the Indian Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS intercepted an Iranian vessel on September 25 and recovered 526kg of narcotics, comprising 400kg of methamphetamine and 126kg of heroin.
Investigators alleged that the Nigerian was connected to a network associated with Pakistan-based suspected drug trafficker Haji Salim. The consignment was reportedly intended for distribution across northern India, particularly Punjab.
According to the investigation, the drugs were allegedly to be transferred from the Iranian vessel to a fishing boat in Indian waters before being moved to the Tamil Nadu coast and transported to their destinations.
Five Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel were arrested during the operation. The intercepted boat, reportedly found northwest of Lakshadweep, also contained a Starlink device allegedly used to communicate with handlers in Pakistan.
The Gujarat ATS said investigations were ongoing to identify other members of the alleged trafficking network and establish the specific role of the Nigerian national in the operation.
