Two Nigerian Nationals Arrested in India Over ₦32 Million MDMA Seizure in Hyderabad
Indian law enforcement authorities have arrested two Nigerian nationals in connection with the illegal supply of synthetic drugs in Hyderabad, India, following a joint operation that led to the seizure of 150 grams of MDMA valued at approximately ₹20 lakh, equivalent to about ₦32 million. The arrests were carried out by the Hyderabad-Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) in collaboration with officers from the Tolichowki Police Station on January 8.
The suspects were identified as Chidi Ezeh, aged 42, also known by the alias Nageshwaran, and Obasi James Victor, aged 38. Both men are Nigerian nationals residing in New Delhi. According to Indian police, the drugs were recovered from Chidi Ezeh within the jurisdiction of the Tolichowki police area during the coordinated operation.
Investigators disclosed that Chidi Ezeh entered India through the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on March 18, 2014, using a medical attendant visa which expired two months later in May 2014. Authorities stated that since the expiration of his visa and passport, Ezeh had continued to reside illegally in India. He was previously arrested in Hyderabad in an earlier narcotics case involving cocaine and MDMA before relocating to New Delhi.
Police further alleged that after moving to Delhi, Ezeh fraudulently obtained Indian identity documents, including an Aadhaar card, Permanent Account Number (PAN), a driving licence, vehicle registration documents, and bank cards by using a false identity. According to investigators, he allegedly sourced cocaine and MDMA from another Nigerian national based in Delhi and supplied the drugs to local peddlers across multiple cities, including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and New Delhi.
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An officer from the Hyderabad-Narcotics Enforcement Wing described Ezeh as an inter-state supplier who coordinated drug orders using encrypted messaging platforms, particularly WhatsApp. The officer stated that deliveries were allegedly carried out either personally by Ezeh or through his associate, Obasi James Victor, using hand-to-hand distribution methods to avoid detection.
During the latest operation, police said they recovered not only the MDMA but also a mobile phone, Aadhaar card, PAN card, Indian driving licence, vehicle registration certificate, and several bank cards from Ezeh. These items, investigators said, are now part of the evidence being examined to establish the full extent of the alleged drug network.
Obasi James Victor, the second suspect, was reported to have entered India on a tourist visa through Mumbai Airport on December 31, 2011. His visa and passport had also expired, according to police records. Authorities stated that Victor initially engaged in cloth export business activities and later operated a restaurant in Delhi. He was residing in the same building as Ezeh and is alleged to have assisted in the distribution of synthetic drugs.
Police sources claimed that Victor played a supporting role in the alleged drug supply chain, helping to coordinate logistics and deliveries. Both suspects are now in police custody and are expected to face charges under India’s narcotics and immigration laws.
The arrest has drawn public attention both in India and Nigeria, reigniting discussions around transnational drug trafficking and the involvement of foreign nationals in illicit drug networks. While Indian authorities emphasised that the operation was intelligence-driven and part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organised drug syndicates, commentators online expressed concern over the reputational impact of such cases on Nigeria’s image abroad.
Law enforcement officials reiterated that investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the alleged network and determine the source of the seized MDMA. Authorities also indicated that immigration violations committed by the suspects would be addressed alongside narcotics-related charges.
The Hyderabad-Narcotics Enforcement Wing reaffirmed its commitment to combating the distribution of synthetic drugs, noting that MDMA remains a major concern due to its growing demand and its association with organised crime. Officials urged continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public to curb drug trafficking and related offences.
As legal proceedings unfold, both suspects remain under investigation, with Indian authorities stressing that anyone found guilty would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.