Investigation into the cocaine seizure on the Rajdhani Express revealed that the drugs worth Rs 4.36 crore were smuggled into India through a cross-border network involving Delhi-based Nigerian gangs, with the final delivery planned near Bengaluru. Sources said the probe into forward and backward links has revealed an international supply chain. “The cocaine originated in South America, mainly Colombia and Peru, and was routed through African countries like Nigeria before reaching India.” Delhi acts as a key hub where Nigerian handlers receive and redistribute the drugs, sources said.

 

The seizure was made on April 12 when a 39-year-old woman from Thane was intercepted on the Hazrat Nizamuddin–KSR Bengaluru Rajdhani Express at Nagpur. Acting on intelligence, DRI officers asked her to deboard at Ajni station, where a detailed search led to the recovery of 853 grams of cocaine worth Rs 4.26 crore. “In this case, the drugs were concealed inside shampoo bottles in the form of sealed capsules to avoid suspicion,” sources said, adding that such methods are commonly used by international traffickers. Sources revealed that the accused had earlier married a Nigerian national who died in 2023, but she remained in contact with Nigerian groups. “Her links helped her get recruited as a carrier in the network,” a source said. Investigators found that she had first travelled by air to New Delhi, where she collected the consignment from handlers.

 

She then boarded the train to transport the drugs towards south India. “The consignment was meant to be delivered near Bengaluru, but the exact drop location is usually shared at the last moment to avoid detection,” sources explained. Sources said traffickers use multiple smuggling techniques, including false compartments in luggage, concealment in daily-use items and even human carriers. “These networks are highly organised and operate across countries with strong coordination,” the source added. DRI is now tracking the Delhi-based Nigerian gang and other members of the international network. The woman has been arrested under the NDPS Act and remanded to judicial custody.