Hyderabad: Eagle Force smashes Nigerian drug cartels’ hawala biz; arrests 20 in 5 states, seizes ₹3.08 Cr

Hyderabad: Telangana’s Eagle Force has dismantled well-knit hawala network used by Nigerian drug cartels to launder crores of rupees across India.

The crackdown, which followed the arrest of Nigerian national Onyeisi Esomchi Kenneth alias Maxwell, led to the seizure of Rs 3.08 crore in cash and the arrest of 20 accused across five states.

Nigerian peddler exposed the network

Maxwell, caught earlier in Hyderabad with cocaine and ecstasy, was found to have earned over Rs 68 lakh in a year as commission through hawala transactions. His arrest revealed how foreign peddlers were using Indian channels to funnel drug money abroad.

Hawala syndicate across states

The probe uncovered a powerful syndicate involving Chetan Mamania, Uttam Singh, Durga Ram, Chetan Singh, and Chagan Lal.

Daily Collections: Uttam Singh collected nearly Rs 25 lakh a day from Nigerians in Goa, routing Rs 2.1 crore weekly via hawala operators.

Cash to Cargo: Instead of moving money physically, the proceeds were converted into trade in baby frocks, kurtas, T-shirts, human hair, and groceries, which were shipped from Mumbai and Chennai to Lagos.

Raids & Arrests: As many as 24 special Eagle teams conducted coordinated raids in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, and Delhi, arresting 20 operatives and seizing huge cash reserves.

Cartels’ Modus Operandi

Despite repeated crackdowns, foreign drug syndicates continue to thrive:

Supply Routes: Cocaine is trafficked from Latin America, while synthetic drugs like MDMA, Ecstasy, LSD, and Meth are smuggled from Europe into India.

Courier Channels: Drugs often reach Mumbai and Delhi via reputed courier services such as DHL and FedEx.

Luxury Bases: Nigerian peddlers operate from villas in Goa, supplying drugs to Hyderabad and other cities.

Fake identities and multiple passports

Investigations revealed widespread misuse of fake documents. Maxwell used three passports (two Nigerian, one Ghanaian). Other accused, including Onyeohani Collins and Chukwumeka Wisdom Onyeka, were caught with multiple foreign passports. Several deported peddlers managed to re-enter India under false identities.

Key arrests and seizures

Chetan Mavji Mamania – Hawala kingpin; Rs 8.4 lakh seized.

Ronak Prajapathi – Manager, BKC & Co.; Rs 2.85 crore seized.

Gagan – Accomplice; Rs 15 lakh seized from his mobile shop.

Several others, including Durga Ram, Chagan Lal, and Chetan Singh, were found to be core operators of the racket.

Public alert and Appeal

The Eagle Force has urged citizens to remain vigilant against drug cartels that target youth and repatriate profits through hawala.

House Owners: Verify foreign tenants and report suspicious activity.

Parents: Keep a close watch on children’s habits.

Youth: Stay away from drugs that ruin health and future.

Report Drug Activity

The public can dial Toll-Free: 1908, WhatsApp: 87126 71111, and Email: tsnabho-hyd@tspolice.gov.in. All tips will remain confidential; credible informants will be rewarded, the EAGLE officials said.