The Delhi Police Special Cell has dismantled an inter-state drug cartel by arresting four Nigerian nationals and seizing drugs valued at Rs100 crore in the international market, officials said on Wednesday.
The cartel reportedly operated a mobile drug manufacturing lab using chemicals such as calcium chloride, methanol, solvents, and colored and transparent liquids.
The accused were identified as Ezebuenyi Esther Osita, alias Ella (45), Charles Chimuanya Ebereonwu, alias Nwatayanachidinama Amorka (32), Chinoye Emmanuel (46), and Diarra Idriss, alias White Money (38). All were living in India illegally after their visas had expired.
Acting on a tip-off, Delhi Police laid a trap in Dhaula Kuan, Southwest Delhi, intercepting Ella, who was carrying a red trolley bag. During the search, authorities recovered 17.146 kg of methamphetamine and 700 drug tablets concealed in plastic packets, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Aalap Patel.
During interrogation, Ella revealed that the cartel operated across Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, identifying supply hubs in Janakpuri, Vikaspuri, and Uttam Nagar.
Following her lead, the Special Cell arrested Charles Chimuanya Ebereonwu, alias Amorka, from Chander Vihar, recovering 3 kg of methamphetamine. Raids also uncovered a mobile drug lab in Tek Chand Colony, Nilothi Extension, containing precursor chemicals, solvents, and mixing equipment.
Chinoye Emmanuel, the operator of the lab, and Diarra Idriss, alias White Money, were later arrested. Idriss, apprehended in Bengaluru, admitted to receiving drug consignments from Ella and others, selling them locally, and transferring proceeds abroad through informal channels.
The police confirmed that the group had been active for over a year, with Amorka reportedly trafficking drugs for more than three years using women couriers on long-distance trains.
All four individuals are being prosecuted under the Foreigners Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita due to their illegal stay in India. The Special Cell continues to investigate to identify additional members of the cartel.
