More than 100 Nigerians were among foreign nationals arrested for drug trafficking in India last year, according to figures released by the country’s narcotics control agency, raising questions about international drug networks and Nigeria’s global reputation.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said 106 Nigerians were detained in 2024 for drug-related offences. The highest number of foreign suspects came from Nepal, with 203 arrests, while Myanmar accounted for 25. Smaller numbers were recorded from Bangladesh, Ghana, and Ivory Coast.

India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the figures during a national anti-narcotics conference in New Delhi. He said the government would step up action against cross-border drug syndicates, including pursuing extradition of suspects living abroad.

“The fight is no longer about catching small drug peddlers. We are now targeting cartels at entry points, in distribution, and at retail level,” Shah said, urging states to use tools such as cryptocurrency tracking, darknet monitoring, and data analysis.

The NCB report also highlighted new smuggling methods. Punjab recorded 163 cases of drugs being flown in by drones, while large seizures of heroin and methamphetamine were made in Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir. Officials say India’s geography – bordered by Afghanistan, Pakistan and Myanmar – places it between two of the world’s biggest drug-producing regions.

Security experts in Nigeria say the arrests highlight how traffickers exploit vulnerable groups. “Criminal syndicates often target unemployed youths as couriers, luring them with promises of quick money,” said Lagos-based analyst Musa Olatunji. “The numbers show this is a regional issue, not just about Nigeria.”

Nigeria’s foreign ministry has not commented on the latest figures. Officials in the past have stressed that many Nigerians jailed abroad are victims of larger criminal organizations. (The Guardian, but headline rejigged)