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News Topical, Digital Desk : The Telangana Investigation Team (EAGLE) has busted a major international drug syndicate that was smuggling cocaine into India using courier routes from European countries like France and Belgium. The investigation, which had been ongoing for the past two years, has been underway.
The investigation team also uncovered a robust nationwide distribution network that supplied narcotics to almost every corner of the country, including major cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Goa, and Ghaziabad, as well as smaller cities like Ahmednagar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Valsad, and Belagavi.
Use of European couriers
Nigerian national Iwala Udoka Stanley, arrested in 2024, was found to be the ringleader of the network. After a detailed investigation, officials from the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) revealed that he allegedly sourced the drugs from several European countries, primarily France, using courier services.
Officials said this was a rare case in which the drugs were sent to India via France and the Netherlands. At the time of his arrest in February 2024, police officials described Stanley as one of the country's largest drug distributors.
Investigations revealed that he allegedly procured cocaine and narcotic pills through a Netherlands-based source, consignments of which were sent from France and Belgium.
main accused out on bail
Stanley is currently out on bail facing trial based on a charge sheet filed by the Panjagutta police with the help of EAGLE detectives. Investigators have named 22 accused in the case and have so far arrested six, including Stanley, while several others remain at large.
The network extends deep into India. Saurabh, a choreographer from Pune, was lured into the racket by Stanley's associate, Rafael, with the promise of high commissions. He was tasked with receiving international parcels and delivering them to contacts in Goa and other cities as directed.
The investigation team found that after receiving the parcels, Saurabh was expected to deliver the drugs to various persons in Goa, and Rafael would provide him information about the recipients after receiving each consignment.
How does the racket work?
At least six shipments of cocaine were delivered to Saurabh's Pune home, each containing approximately 3 kilograms. Each shipment contained at least 3 kilograms of cocaine shipped from European countries. Following this information, EAGLE officials alerted central agencies to tighten inspections of the cargo.
Saurabh said he was misled and led to believe the parcels contained clothes. He was paid between ₹30,000 and ₹80,000 for each delivery to cities like Goa and Bengaluru. On several occasions, Stanley personally went to Goa to collect the shipments.
How is supply done across the country?
Police said Stanley served as a key link in this international network, coordinating both supply and distribution. He was in constant contact with his handlers in Nigeria, who provided instructions for delivery to customers across India.
He also procured drugs from drug peddlers operating in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Goa, and elsewhere, including some imprisoned in Goa. A police officer said Stanley had 500 clients across India. Through his network, the supplies were delivered based on his instructions. He also employed taxi drivers to transport and deliver the drugs.
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