By Ado Oyeyemi
A Nigerian national has been linked to an international drug trafficking network following the seizure of narcotics valued at about $330m in India.
The Gujarat Anti Terrorism Squad reportedly identified the Nigerian as an alleged intermediary between a wanted suspect based in Gujarat and other members of the trafficking network.
The seizure was made on September 25 during a joint operation involving the Gujarat ATS and the Indian Coast Guard in the Arabian Sea.
According to reports, authorities recovered 526kg of narcotics from an Iranian vessel, comprising 400kg of methamphetamine and 126kg of heroin.
The operation reportedly followed intelligence concerning a meeting between the Nigerian suspect and a wanted member of the network in Ahmedabad.
The intelligence prompted the Gujarat ATS to alert the Indian Coast Guard, which subsequently intercepted the Iranian vessel northwest of Lakshadweep.
Investigators alleged that the Nigerian was connected to a trafficking network reportedly associated with a Pakistan based suspected drug trafficker identified as Haji Salim.
The network was allegedly planning to move the drug consignment to Punjab for distribution across northern India.
The narcotics were reportedly intended to be transferred from the Iranian vessel to a fishing boat in Indian waters before being transported towards the Tamil Nadu coast and subsequently moved to their destinations.
Five Pakistani nationals found aboard the vessel were arrested during the operation, while investigations continued into the identities and roles of other suspected members of the network.
Authorities also reportedly recovered a Starlink communication device from the vessel, which investigators believe was used to maintain contact with handlers in Pakistan.
The Gujarat ATS said its investigation was ongoing, with efforts focused on establishing the Nigerian’s specific role in the alleged international trafficking operation and identifying other suspects connected to the network.
