106 Nigerians Arrested In India Over Drug Crimes

INDIA’S Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) reported that 106 Nigerians were arrested in 2024 for drug-related offences, making them one of the largest foreign groups detained after Nepalese nationals (203). Other arrests included suspects from Myanmar, Bangladesh, Ghana, and Ivory Coast.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, presenting the figures at a national anti-narcotics conference in New Delhi, vowed tougher action against cross-border drug cartels, including extraditions and advanced tools such as cryptocurrency tracking and darknet monitoring.

The NCB report also revealed evolving smuggling tactics, with Punjab recording 163 drug drops via drones and major heroin and meth seizures in Rajasthan and Jammu & Kashmir.

Analysts in Nigeria warn that syndicates exploit vulnerable youths as couriers, calling the arrests evidence of a wider regional drug trafficking crisis. The Nigerian government has yet to respond to the latest figures.