New Delhi: The Delhi Police Crime Branch has dismantled a sophisticated international drug trafficking network operated by a Nigerian kingpin, arresting five foreign nationals and seizing narcotics worth ₹100 crore in the international market.
The syndicate, which had operations spanning Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the UK, used food delivery-style logistics and encrypted WhatsApp communications to distribute drugs across India.
The breakthrough came after police intercepted a courier parcel in Moti Nagar on June 13, containing 895 grams of MDMA concealed in clothing. Investigations led to the arrest of Cameroonian national Kameni Philipp, who revealed the network’s structure. Further raids resulted in the recovery of 2.7 kg of high-grade cocaine, 1 kg of MDMA, and 1 kg of ganja.
“The syndicate operated like an organized business, with Nigerian handlers taking orders via WhatsApp call centers and local delivery agents making contactless drops,” said Additional Commissioner of Police Mangesh Kashyap. The mastermind, Callistus alias Kalis based in Nigeria, allegedly used multiple passports and fake IDs to evade detection.
Police uncovered an elaborate money laundering operation where drug proceeds were converted to Nigerian Naira through informal channels, with over ₹85 crore allegedly processed in six months. The accused reportedly adulterated pure cocaine in a 1:4 ratio to maximize profits, targeting upscale areas of South Delhi.
Among those arrested were Philipp’s associates – Godwin John (53), Kelechi Chikwe (34), and Ibe Chinedu Austin (38) – all Nigerian nationals living illegally in India. Authorities also seized a Honda City car used for deliveries, ₹2.07 lakh in cash, multiple passports, and drug ledgers dating back to 2019.
The investigation revealed the syndicate maintained operational resilience by immediately replacing arrested delivery agents while keeping customer data secure in Nigeria. Police are working with international agencies to trace the network’s global connections.
