A Nigerian suspect has been arrested in India for allegedly supplying about N812m (Rs 5 crore) worth of drugs to no fewer than 1,975 consumers in Telangana.

It was learnt on Sunday, from a Times of India report published on Friday, that the suspect, identified only as Nick, carried out the transactions through an online platform.

The incident comes just days after a separate report of a sweeping operation in which more than 50 Nigerians were arrested for alleged overstaying during a raid conducted by Eagle Force Telangana in collaboration with the NCB, the Delhi Police Crime Branch, and with support from the Noida Police.

According to the report, “A Nigerian drug cartel supplying narcotics to 1,975 consumers in Telangana has transacted nearly Rs 5 crore worth of drugs online in just two months.”

It added that during investigations into the Malnadu Restaurant and Mahindra University cases, registered a few months ago, the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau discovered that orders were being placed with Nick, described as a major cartel operator based in Nigeria.

The report stated, “He used two phone numbers, both operated from abroad. Around 30 courier offices frequently used by Nigerian handlers to ship drugs were mapped.

“Analysis further showed that merchandise purchased on Flipkart was being used for concealment, with several Nigerians in Delhi identified for making large online purchases, exposing the entire supply chain.”

t also noted that all the accused wanted by the Telangana police had been handed over to the agency for further investigation. (The PUNCH, but headline rejigged)