NEW DELHI / WAYANAD — A Nigerian national identified as Mohammed Jamiu Abdur Raheem, a key operative in an international drug trafficking network supplying narcotics to Kerala and Karnataka, has been arrested at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.
The arrest was carried out by a special investigation team of the Kerala Excise Department, led by Wayanad District Assistant Excise Commissioner Y. Prasad, with assistance from the Bureau of Immigration.
Network Spanning Kerala, Karnataka, and Africa
Investigators said the accused played a crucial role in a drug syndicate operating primarily out of Bengaluru, which has been identified as the main hub for supplying narcotics to Kerala. The probe revealed that Raheem was receiving money from accused persons involved in multiple commercial-quantity drug cases registered in Wayanad district and supplying them with narcotic substances.
Further investigation established that he was also responsible for distributing drugs to other African nationals residing in Bengaluru, strengthening the interstate and international links of the network.
Surveillance and International Tracking
The accused had been under continuous surveillance for nearly two months. When the investigation team reached Delhi in search of him, it was discovered that he had already fled to Nigeria via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Subsequently, a Look-Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him with the support of the Wayanad District Superintendent of Police.
Investigators found that the accused frequently traveled between India and Nigeria, typically twice a month, using the same flight route via Addis Ababa, a major transit hub in Africa. This information was verified in Delhi with the assistance of central agencies, including the Central Intelligence Bureau (IB).
During the course of the investigation, the team received real-time intelligence regarding the accused’s arrival at Addis Ababa airport from Nigeria. Based on this input, surveillance was intensified, ultimately leading to his return to India and arrest at Delhi airport.
Transit to Kerala Under High Security
Following his arrest, the excise team obtained permission from the Patiala House Court in Delhi to transfer the accused to Kerala. He was flown to the state under special security cover provided by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Investigation Ongoing
A six-member excise team conducted the operation, comprising Excise Circle Inspector Sharfudhin T. and Civil Excise Officers Sushad P. S., Basil C. M., Sreeja Mol P. N., and Sini P. M., under the direct supervision of Assistant Excise Commissioner Y. Prasad.
Officials confirmed that four individuals have already been arrested in connection with the case. Authorities stated that further investigation is underway to uncover additional links and financial transactions associated with the accused’s drug trafficking activities.
