At least three Nigerians based in India, alongside several accomplices, have been arrested by the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering.

It was learnt on Monday that the Indian anti-narcotics operatives also recovered cocaine and MDMA worth Rs 12.5 lakh from the suspects.

According to The Times of India, the arrests stemmed from an ongoing investigation that uncovered a sophisticated financial web used by drug cartels to launder proceeds from illegal drug sales.

While tracing the financial transactions of known drug peddlers, the detectives identified multiple shell companies operating in Mumbai and Delhi, which were allegedly being used to funnel drug money into foreign accounts.

Investigators revealed that the arrested Nigerians, along with some Palestinian nationals, were instrumental in moving illicit funds.

These funds, the report stated, were ?transferred through various Nigerians using fake companies.?

One of the key suspects identified is Igwe Obataobie, also known as Igwe Elvis, a Nigerian national reportedly residing in Bengaluru.

According to investigators, Elvis ?played a crucial role in ensuring that drug earnings were safely transferred to various Nigerian bank accounts.?

The report quoted officials as saying, ?Nigerian and Palestinian individuals were at the centre of this network, making transactions that ensure the illicit funds reach suppliers abroad.?

The investigation also uncovered a broader money-laundering operation involving several foreign nationals.

?Investigators also stumbled upon a major racket involving foreign nationals, illegally diverting money to foreign countries,? the report noted.

The operation came to light during the investigation of Mohammed Osman, alias Faisal, a key drug peddler currently held in Goa?s Colvale Jail.

His interstate network led authorities to suspicious companies such as Mr X, King Enterprise, and Riya?firms that were registered as legitimate businesses but allegedly served as fronts for laundering drug proceeds.

?These firms opened current accounts in private banks, serving as conduits to launder money out of India,? officials said.

Faisal is believed to have expanded his operations in Mumbai with the help of an associate, Milan, who played a pivotal role in setting up the shell companies.

Another significant figure in the syndicate is Awni Hassan Abu Alkas, a Palestinian national living in Delhi. He allegedly led a vast drug trafficking network involving Nigerian nationals and Indian collaborators.

His network included individuals like Faizal, Pappu, and Syed Alkafri?suspects from Hyderabad who are currently detained in Goa. The group reportedly supplied drugs in Bengaluru, Goa, and Hyderabad.

Explaining the modus operandi, a senior police officer reportedly told TOI, ?Drug cartels must send money out of India to pay for shipments of cocaine, MDMA, and ecstasy.

?This is a well-established practice. Without disrupting this flow of illicit funds, it is nearly impossible to dismantle the foreign-controlled drug trade.?

He further explained that drug peddlers often accept payments through cash and online transactions using mule accounts.

?The funds are then routed through multiple shell companies before being sent overseas, making it difficult for authorities to track the final destination,? he added.

Investigators say the network could be larger than initially thought. ?Several names have emerged during the probe, but investigators face challenges as arrested suspects refuse to divulge details about their accomplices,? the report concluded. (The PUNCH, but headline rejigged)

Update news