JUST IN: India govt arrests popular Nigeria drug kingpin

Indian authorities have arrested a Nigerian national, Ezeonyili Franklin Uchenna, also known as Kaleshi, after a year-long manhunt.

According to the Times of India,  Uchenna was apprehended on  Monday April 28, 2025, by the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau in Ibrahimbagh, Hyderabad.

He had reportedly been hiding in Bengaluru since the arrest of one of his associates in 2024.

Upon his arrest, officials found 17 grams of MDMA, a synthetic drug, concealed in his pocket during a routine search.

Initially, Uchenna denied involvement, but authorities said physical evidence and records contradicted his claims.

Sources claimed Uchenna is believed to be a key link in an international drug trafficking ring.

Investigators found a pen drive containing names and details of 411 African nationals allegedly connected to drug operations in India.

The pen drive also included photos, receipts, and records of drug transactions totaling ₹9.50 crore (about $1.1 million).

Police suspect Uchenna played a central role in coordinating drug pickups and deliveries across several Indian cities.

His recruitment into the network reportedly began in 2022 through Divine Ebuka Suzee and Uche Happiness, both Nigerian nationals.

He was assigned to distribute drugs obtained from multiple sources, including Joana Gomes, also known as Blessing.

Blessing was earlier arrested by Narsingi Police, prompting Uchenna to flee Hyderabad for Bengaluru.

Despite going underground, Uchenna allegedly continued drug operations and kept detailed digital records of transactions and associates.

Authorities said two other arrested suspects, Ugwu Ikechukwu and Chukwu Ogbonna, provided intelligence that led to Uchenna’s capture.

He currently faces four separate criminal cases, including one in Bengaluru linked to previous drug trafficking activities.

Officials say the suspect had built a complex web of buyers, dealers, and money channels to avoid detection.

Uchenna’s arrest is seen as a major breakthrough in India’s ongoing crackdown on transnational drug networks.

Investigations are ongoing, and Indian authorities have not ruled out more arrests in the coming weeks.

They emphasized that surveillance and cross-border intelligence sharing will continue to dismantle drug cartels operating in India.

The Nigerian Embassy in India has yet to issue an official comment on the arrest of its national.

Indian officials say Uchenna will remain in custody while legal proceedings and further investigations continue.

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