A Nigerian national has been arrested in India for allegedly supplying drugs worth around N812 million (Rs 5 crore) to at least 1,975 consumers in Telangana.

According to a Times of India report published on Friday, the suspect, identified only as Nick, allegedly conducted the transactions through an online platform.

The arrest comes shortly after a large-scale operation in which over 50 Nigerians were apprehended for overstaying in India during a raid carried out by Eagle Force Telangana in collaboration with the NCB, Delhi Police Crime Branch, and with support from the Noida Police.

The report stated that the Nigerian drug cartel had supplied narcotics to 1,975 consumers in Telangana, completing nearly Rs 5 crore worth of transactions online in just two months. Investigations linked to the Malnadu Restaurant and Mahindra University cases revealed that Nick, described as a key cartel operator based in Nigeria, was handling orders.

Authorities noted that Nick used two phone numbers, both operated from abroad, and mapped around 30 courier offices frequently used by Nigerian handlers for shipping drugs. Analysis indicated that merchandise purchased from Flipkart was being used to conceal the drugs, with several Nigerians in Delhi identified as making large online purchases, thereby exposing the entire supply chain.

All accused individuals sought by the Telangana police have reportedly been handed over to the agency for further investigation.

This arrest adds to a growing number of cases involving Nigerians in India, including incidents related to visa overstaying, suspected murder, drug offences, and robbery.