In a significant crackdown on transnational narcotics trafficking, the UT Police Crime Branch has dismantled a major international drug syndicate operating across the Tricity region of India, arresting three foreign nationals in a coordinated sting operation.
The suspects — Imoru Damian (31) and Okoye Nnamdi (31), both Nigerian nationals, and Toufe Yousouf (30) from Cape Town, South Africa — were apprehended while attempting to smuggle narcotics into the city. Substantial quantities of cocaine and amphetamine were seized during the bust, along with a Honda City vehicle allegedly used in the drug trade.
All three were presented before a local court and have been remanded into police custody for further investigation.
According to SP Jasbir Singh of the Crime Branch, the operation began on July 22, when Damian was arrested in possession of 62.6 grams of amphetamine. Investigations revealed that he had overstayed his medical visa, which was issued in 2021. His arrest led authorities to Okoye and Toufe, who were subsequently found with additional quantities of narcotics: 35.8 grams of cocaine and 5.73 grams of amphetamine (Okoye) and 34.85 grams of cocaine (Toufe).
Damian and Toufe were residing in a rented apartment in Kharar, Mohali, while Okoye was based in Delhi.
Authorities say the suspects operated in isolation, directed remotely by handlers based abroad, making it difficult to detect the full scope of the operation. The syndicate reportedly sourced narcotics from Delhi and distributed them to youth in the Tricity region, which includes Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula.
Investigators also uncovered a concerning link to a wider network of Nigerian students in Kharar, who may have been exploited as drug couriers or low-level distributors. Further inquiries are underway to unravel the extent of this international network.
The arrests mark a major win for Indian law enforcement as they continue efforts to curb the rising threat of cross-border narcotics trafficking.
