{
  "id": 11377845,
  "title": "India: Nigerian linked to international drug network after $330m seizure",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/india-nigerian-linked-to-international-drug-network-after-330m-seizure",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T06:53:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/02/india-nigerian-linked-to-international-drug-network-after-330m-seizure/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Nigerian national has been linked to an international drug trafficking network after a massive $330 million drug haul was seized in the Arabian Sea. The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) identified the suspect as an intermediary between a wanted individual from Gujarat and other members of the alleged syndicate.\n\nOn September 25, authorities intercepted an Iranian vessel carrying 526kg of narcotics, including 400kg of methamphetamine and 126kg of heroin. The operation, conducted jointly by the Gujarat ATS and the Indian Coast Guard, was prompted by intelligence regarding a meeting between the Nigerian and the wanted suspect in Ahmedabad. The ATS alerted the Coast Guard, leading to the seizure of the consignment.\n\nInvestigators believe the Nigerian had ties to a network associated with a Pakistan-based drug trafficker, Haji Salim. The plan was to transport the seized drugs to Punjab for distribution across northern India. The drugs were reportedly intended to be transferred from the Iranian vessel to a fishing boat within Indian waters before being moved towards the Tamil Nadu coast and their final destinations.\n\nFive Pakistani nationals were arrested during the operation. Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify other suspected members of the network and determine the Nigerian's exact role in the operation. The intercepted vessel, found northwest of Lakshadweep, also contained a Starlink device allegedly used for communication with handlers based in Pakistan. The Gujarat ATS stated that the investigation into the suspected international drug trafficking network remains ongoing.",
  "summary": "A Nigerian national has been identified as an alleged link to an international drug trafficking network following the interception of an Iranian vessel carrying narcotics valued at more than $330 million (Rs 3,000 crore) in the Arabian Sea. The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad, ATS, reportedly identified the Nigerian as an intermediary between a wanted suspect from […] India: Nigerian linked to…",
  "key_points": [
    "Nigerian linked to international drug network after $330M seizure.",
    "Gujarat ATS intercepted Iranian vessel with 526kg narcotics.",
    "Five Pakistani nationals arrested during operation."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The seizure and arrests expose a significant international drug trafficking network with ties to Pakistan and suggest a widening role for Nigerian nationals in such operations targeting India.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Press Journal",
        "title": "NBCC to construct India International Cultural Center in Gurugram",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/nbcc-to-construct-india-international-cultural-center-in-gurugram",
        "published": "2026-10-02T07:20:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}