A Nigerian national has reportedly been identified as an alleged intermediary in an international drug trafficking network after Indian authorities intercepted an Iranian vessel carrying narcotics worth more than $330 million (approximately Rs 3,000 crore) in the Arabian Sea.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), working with the Indian Coast Guard, seized 526 kilograms of narcotics during the operation on September 25. The consignment reportedly included 400 kilograms of methamphetamine and 126 kilograms of heroin. Five Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel were arrested.
According to investigators, intelligence regarding a meeting between the Nigerian national and a wanted Gujarat-based suspect in Ahmedabad helped initiate the operation. Authorities allege that the Nigerian had links to a trafficking network associated with Pakistan-based suspected drug trafficker Haji Salim.
Investigators believe the consignment was intended for transfer to a fishing boat in Indian waters before being transported toward the Tamil Nadu coast and eventually moved to Punjab for distribution across northern India.
The vessel, intercepted northwest of Lakshadweep, reportedly contained a Starlink device allegedly used to communicate with handlers in Pakistan. Authorities are continuing to investigate the Nigerian national’s precise role and identify other suspected members of the network.
