Two Nigerians, Chima Ibe and Chimezie Lazarus, are currently facing trial in India after being arrested in separate drug trafficking operations, according to PUNCH Metro.
Ibe, 40, was apprehended by the Tulinj Police in Nalasopara East during a major anti-narcotics operation on Monday. Officers found over one kilogram of methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) in his apartment, valued at more than ₹2.08 crore (approximately N343 million), along with ₹34,500 (around N569,000) in cash. The contraband was reportedly concealed in transparent plastic bags.
Police confirmed that the seized substance is methamphetamine, typically sold for roughly ₹20,000 (N330,000) per gram on the black market. The operation, led by API Sunil Pawar and PSI Dilip Ghuge, took place around 12:30 a.m. following a tip-off. Ibe has been charged under Sections 8(c) and 21(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and remanded in custody.
In a separate case in Delhi, the Crime Branch dismantled a narcotics ring, arresting three individuals, including 35-year-old Lazarus, who resided in Delhi. Police recovered 194 grams of cocaine worth approximately ₹2.25 crore (N371 million) from the suspects.
Authorities revealed that on September 6, police received information that two men, Wadhwa and Kadir, were about to deliver cocaine in Rohini. A trap was laid, resulting in their arrest. A search subsequently led to the arrest of Lazarus, known as Zudo, in Mehrauli on September 10 with an additional 109 grams of cocaine.
Investigations indicate that Lazarus, who arrived in India in January 2023 for medical treatment, allegedly turned to drug trafficking due to financial difficulties. He reportedly ran a distribution network across Delhi, Gurugram, Meerut, Chandigarh, and Haldwani, using former taxi drivers as couriers paid approximately ₹1,000 per delivery.
Police noted that Lazarus has no prior criminal record and efforts are ongoing to trace the network’s financial links and international connections.
These arrests are part of a broader trend, with earlier reports indicating that eight Nigerians were arrested in Kozhikode City for similar offences.
