New Delhi, August 19: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has made significant strides against an international drug trafficking network operating illegally in the country. In a recent operation, five foreign nationals, including a woman, were arrested, and drugs valued at approximately ₹15 crores were seized.
According to an NCB official, the operation yielded 14.787 kilograms of amphetamine, 67.840 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, 318 grams of cocaine, and 6 grams of heroin. The total estimated value of the confiscated drugs is around ₹15 crores.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Nigerian nationals Obase Prosper Ogbornorjor, Abuchi George Okori, Uchenna Stephen Nwanko, and Chikezie Joshua Igwe. The identity of the female suspect is still being verified, but she is believed to be a citizen of an African country.
On July 18, acting on intelligence from the Uttar Pradesh STF, a joint raid was conducted in the Raju Park area of Khanpur, Delhi. During this operation, 5.087 kilograms of amphetamine were seized, leading to the arrest of Obase Prosper Ogbornor. Investigations revealed that he was also wanted in a cyber fraud case involving ₹68 lakhs. His medical visa had expired in June 2023, yet he continued to reside in India illegally.
Subsequently, on July 21, another raid was executed at a location in Hans Enclave, Gurugram, where 9.7 kilograms of amphetamine and 67.84 kilograms of pseudoephedrine were confiscated. Nigerian national Abuchi George Okori was arrested during this operation.
The NCB noted that pseudoephedrine is a controlled substance under the NDPS Act and can be illicitly used to manufacture methamphetamine. Investigations revealed that Abuchi George Okori had entered India on a medical attendant visa, which was valid only until June 2015, after which he remained in the country illegally.
Further investigations led the NCB to a suspicious location in the Mehrauli area of Delhi. On August 3, a raid there resulted in the seizure of 318 grams of cocaine and 6 grams of heroin. This operation led to the arrest of two other Nigerian nationals, Uchenna Stephen Nwanko and Chikezie Joshua Igwe, both of whom had been living in India illegally for the past 13 years.
During the operation, a female accomplice attempted to escape by jumping from a balcony, resulting in injuries. She is currently receiving medical treatment.
The NCB is now focused on uncovering further links within this international drug trafficking network and identifying additional individuals involved.
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