Delhi Police Cracks Down on International Drug Network
In a significant operation, Delhi Police's crime branch has successfully dismantled an international drug syndicate operated by Nigerian nationals. The authorities arrested two foreign citizens and seized a substantial quantity of cocaine and MDMA tablets, with an estimated street value of around Rs 5 crore.
How the Syndicate Operated
The syndicate was masterminded by a kingpin based in Nigeria, identified as Elo Chukwu. Police investigations revealed that Chukwu allegedly used couriers to deliver drugs concealed within gift packs. An African woman residing in Delhi facilitated these deliveries, acting as a key link in the operation.
During coordinated raids conducted in south and southwest Delhi, law enforcement officials recovered 418 grams of high-purity cocaine and 925 MDMA tablets, commonly known as ecstasy. These substances were intended for distribution across the city and neighboring states.
The Arrests and Investigations
The first arrest involved Frank Vitus Ume, a 47-year-old Nigerian national. Ume had a prior arrest record in an NDPS case handled by the Narcotics Control Bureau. Acting on a specific tip-off received on December 2, 2025, police apprehended Ume. He was allegedly supplying psychotropic substances in various parts of Delhi while frequently changing his locations to avoid detection.
"Based on his disclosure and subsequent technical analysis, our team traced the source of the drugs to another Nigerian national," stated DCP (crime) Harsh Indora. This led to the arrest of the co-accused, Sunday Otuu, aged 53, from the Mehrauli area. Police conducted a search of Otuu's rented accommodation and seized an additional 15 ecstasy tablets.
Modus Operandi and Background
Investigations uncovered that the accused used social media platforms and mobile numbers registered in Nigeria to coordinate drug deliveries. This method allowed them to operate discreetly across Delhi and nearby states.
Frank Vitus Ume originally came to India in 2012 on a business visa for garment export purposes. However, after encountering severe financial difficulties, he allegedly turned to drug trafficking. Similarly, Sunday Otuu arrived in India in 2015 for business ventures but joined the syndicate after suffering losses in the clothing trade.
Delhi Police emphasized that this bust highlights the ongoing efforts to combat international drug networks operating within the city. The seizure and arrests are expected to disrupt the supply chain of narcotics in the region significantly.
