The Delhi Police Special Cell has busted an interstate drug cartel with the arrest of four Nigerian nationals and the seizure of drugs valued at Rs 100 crore in the international market, officials said Wednesday.
The cartel was reportedly involved in manufacturing drugs in a mobile lab using chemicals such as calcium chloride, methanol, colored and transparent liquids, and other solvents.
The accused have been 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 four were residing illegally in India after their visas had expired.
Acting on a tip-off earlier this month, police laid a trap in Dhaula Kuan, Southwest Delhi, and intercepted Ella carrying a red trolley bag. A search revealed 17.146 kg of methamphetamine and 700 drug tablets concealed in plastic packets, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Aalap Patel said.
During interrogation, Ella disclosed that the cartel operated across Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, with supply hubs in Janakpuri, Vikaspuri, and Uttam Nagar. Subsequent raids led to the arrest of Amorka from Chander Vihar with 3 kg of methamphetamine.
Police also discovered a mobile drug manufacturing unit at Tek Chand Colony, Nilothi Extension, containing precursor chemicals, calcium chloride, methanol, solvents, and mixing equipment. Chinoye Emmanuel, who operated the lab, and Diarra Idriss, arrested from Bengaluru, were also apprehended. Idriss admitted to receiving consignments, selling locally, and sending proceeds abroad via informal channels.
Investigations revealed that the group had been operating for over a year, with Amorka alone trafficking drugs for more than three years, often using women couriers on long-distance trains.
All four were found to be residing illegally in India and are facing action under the Foreigners Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police continue to investigate to identify additional members of the cartel.
