Courier parcels from France, Belgium fuelled drug racket across Indian cities

HYDERABAD: In a major breakthrough into an international narcotics network, investigators from Telangana have uncovered how a Nigeria-linked drug syndicate used European courier routes to smuggle large consignments of cocaine into India.

The investigation of the past two years has also exposed a well-oiled pan-India distribution chain supplying drugs in almost every corner of the country which includes Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Goa and Ghaziabad. Even smaller cities like Ahmednagar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Valsad and Belagavi have not been spared.

Nigerian national, Iwuala Udoka Stanley, arrested in 2024, was found to be a key operative in the network. Following a detailed probe, Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) officials revealed that he allegedly sourced drugs from multiple European countries, primarily France, using courier services.

Officials said this is a rare instance where they have found that narcotics have been routed to India via France and the Netherlands.

At the time of his arrest in Feb 2024, police officials had called Stanley one of the biggest narcotics distributors in the country. They found that he reportedly accessed cocaine and narcotic pills through a Netherlands-based source, with consignments shipped from France and Belgium. Based on the chargesheet filed by Panjagutta police with support from EAGLE sleuths, Stanley is currently facing trial while out on bail.

Investigators have named 22 accused in the case and arrested six so far, including Stanley, while several others—many of them Nigerian nationals—remain absconding.

The probe also revealed how the network expanded within India. A choreographer from Pune, Sourabh, was allegedly drawn into the racket by Stanley's associate, Rafel, with the promise of high commissions. He was tasked with receiving international parcels and delivering them to contacts in Goa and other cities as instructed.

"After collecting the parcel, Sourabh was expected to deliver the drugs to various individuals in Goa, with Rafel informing him of the recipients after each consignment was received," investigators found.

Cargo checks

At least six consignments were traced to Sourabh's residence in Pune, each containing around 3 kg of cocaine. "In each consignment, at least 3 kg of cocaine was sent each time from European countries. This was one of the rare cases we found, where drugs came to India from France and a few other countries of Europe," sources added. The findings prompted EAGLE authorities to alert central agencies to tighten cargo checks.

Sourabh claimed he was misled into believing the parcels contained apparels. For each delivery in cities like Goa and Bengaluru, he was reportedly paid between Rs 30,000 and Rs 80,000. On several occasions, Stanley personally collected consignments in Goa.

Police said Stanley functioned as a crucial link in the international network, coordinating both supply and distribution. He was in constant touch with handlers based in Nigeria, who directed deliveries to clients across India. He also sourced drugs from peddlers operating in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Goa and other locations, including contacts lodged in Goa jail.

500 clients in India

"Stanley has 500 clients across India. Through his network, based on his instructions, the product would be delivered. He also employed taxi drivers on his rolls, to transport and deliver drugs," a police official said.