Executive Summary
- Delhi Police seized over 20 kg of methamphetamine and 700 MDMA tablets, valued at more than ₹100 crore.
- Four foreign nationals from Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire were arrested in connection with the drug trafficking operation.
- A mobile drug manufacturing laboratory was discovered and dismantled in the Nilothi Extension area of Delhi.
- The arrests were carried out in a multi-city operation spanning both Delhi and Bengaluru.
Authorities in Delhi have arrested four African nationals and seized over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine after dismantling a mobile drug manufacturing facility. The special cell of the Delhi Police reported that the seized narcotics, which also included 700 MDMA tablets, have an estimated international market value of more than ₹100 crore.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Aalap Patel, the operation led to the arrests of three individuals in the capital and a fourth in Bengaluru. The suspects were identified as Nigerian nationals Ezebuenyi Esther Osita, 45; Charles Chimuanya Ebereonwu, 22; and Chinoye Emmanuel, 46; along with Diarra Idriss, 45, from Cote d’Ivoire. Police stated that all four individuals were residing in India without valid documentation.
The investigation began with the arrest of Osita on November 1, who was allegedly found with over 17 kg of methamphetamine. Information from her led to the subsequent arrests and the discovery of the drug lab in Tek Chand Colony, Nilothi Extension. Police seized precursor chemicals, solvents, and laboratory equipment from the site.
Investigators believe the syndicate used women as couriers to transport the drugs to cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai via long-distance trains, concealing the contraband in hidden bag cavities. The operation culminated with the arrest of Idriss in Bengaluru on November 7.
The case highlights a coordinated effort by the suspects to produce and distribute synthetic drugs across major Indian cities. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.