NCB arrests 5 foreigners linked to global narco gang, seizes Rs 15 crore drugs

New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) The NCB arrested five foreign nationals, including a woman, illegally staying in the country to run a transnational drug trafficking network from New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh and seized contraband valued at nearly Rs 15 crore, an official said on Tuesday.

The operation has so far resulted in the seizure of 14.787 kg of amphetamine, 67.840 kg of pseudoephedrine, 318 grams of cocaine and 6 grams of heroin, collectively valued at nearly Rs 15 crore, the official said in a statement.

Those arrested were identified as Nigerian nationals Obase Prosper Ogboronjor, Abuchi George Okorie, Uchenna Stephen Nwanko and Chikezie Joshua Igwe. The identity of the arrested woman, believed to be from an African country, is being established, said the NCB.

Acting on intelligence input from Uttar Pradesh STF, a joint search conducted by UP STF and NCB at Raju Park, Khanpur, New Delhi, on July 18, resulted in the recovery of 5.087 kg of amphetamine and the arrest of Nigerian national Obase Prosper Ogboronjor.

UP STF also wanted him in a major cyber-fraud case involving about Rs 68 lakh. The investigation revealed that he had been overstaying in India despite the expiry of his medical visa in June 2023, the NCB said in a statement.

During a subsequent search at a premises in Hans Enclave, Gurugram, on July 21, the NCB recovered 9.7 kg of amphetamine and 67.84 kg of pseudoephedrine and arrested Nigerian national Abuchi George Okorie, the NCB said.

Pseudoephedrine is a notified controlled substance under the NDPS Act and can be diverted for illicit manufacture of Methamphetamine.

The investigation revealed that Abuchi George Okorie came to India on a medical attendant Visa, which was valid until June 2015. He was illegally staying in India thereafter, the NCB said.

Following backward linkages in the matter, the NCB identified a suspected premises at Mehrauli, New Delhi, the NCB said.

The search at these premises, on August 3, led to the recovery of 318 grams of Cocaine and 6 grams of Heroin and the arrest of two Nigerian nationals, Uchenna Stephen Nwanko and Chikezie Joshua Igwe. Both the Nigerian nationals have been illegally residing in India for the last 13 years, the NCB said.

During this operation, a woman accomplice attempted to escape and jumped from the balcony, injuring herself. She is presently under treatment, the NCB said.

–IANS

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