Exposing Nigeria’s Thriving Drug Syndicate in India: How Fake Identities and Sham Marriages Fuel This Illicit Trade – TGANB Report

Hyderabad is facing a serious challenge with the rise of a Nigerian drug syndicate. The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) has uncovered new tactics these groups are using to avoid arrest and deportation. They are using fake identities, expired visas, and even sham marriages to operate in major cities like Hyderabad, Goa, Bengaluru, and Delhi.

The TGANB reports at least six active Nigerian gangs are trafficking drugs in India by exploiting legal loopholes. One key figure is a Nigerian named Stanley, who entered India in 2009 and started his operations in Goa. He was jailed for overstaying his visa but managed to marry an Indian woman to buy more time against deportation. Through this marriage, Stanley expanded his network, collaborating with known drug suppliers like DJ Swadesh and Vikas.

Another notorious gang, led by a member known as Okra, operates from a jail in Goa. Despite being incarcerated, Okra controls the drug supply chain using mobile phones. His network relies on international couriers to smuggle in cocaine and MDMA, distributing them to operatives like Stanley.

David Uka, alias Pastor, entered India in 2013 on a business visa. He created a community association to help fellow Nigerians facing legal troubles. Under the guise of a community leader, he obtained fake IDs and operated a house in Bengaluru under an assumed name, evading detection until he was arrested in 2023 for dealing ecstasy.

Ebuka Suji, another key player, has been running a syndicate in Hyderabad since 2018. With several criminal cases against him, TGANB suspects he has fled to Nigeria but still manages his operations remotely. He introduced a "dead drop" system for drug transactions, where he leaves drug packets at secret locations and shares the coordinates via WhatsApp. Reports show transactions worth about Rs 4 crore linked to their accounts.

In Delhi, a Palestinian national named Hasan Abu Alkas collaborated with Nigerian gangsters. They formed shell companies like King and Mr. X to launder money and even involved local vehicle recovery agents to steal cars for drug distribution.

Visa fraud is rampant among these gangs. Cyril Uchechi, who came to India on a medical visa, took over an existing drug network after marrying another Nigerian. They often use fake passports from neighboring countries to enter India.

Despite arrests, these gangs frequently resume operations after bail due to pending cases hindering deportations. Law enforcement agencies find it challenging to keep track of these offenders.

The sophisticated methods employed by these groups signal a growing threat that requires immediate and focused law enforcement efforts. In a recent survey, about 65% of residents expressed concern over drug-related crime in their communities, highlighting the urgent need for action.

While the fight against drug trafficking continues, the law must adapt to keep pace with these evolving tactics. This situation not only affects local communities but raises questions about international cooperation in addressing drug trafficking on a larger scale.

For further insights, you can refer to the Narcotics Control Bureau report which details ongoing trends and strategies against drug-related crimes.

Source link

NIGERIA, DRUG SYNDICATE, NIGERIAN DRUG GANGS, NIGERIAN DRUG SYNDICATE IN INDIA, NIGERIAN DRUG SYNDICATE BOOMING ACROSS INDIA USING FAKE IDENTITIES AND SHAM MARRIAGES: TGANB REPORT