Indian authorities have linked a Nigerian national to a major international drug trafficking operation following the interception of a large consignment of narcotics valued at about $330 million.

The development emerged after a joint operation involving the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard led to the seizure of approximately 526 kilograms of heroin and methamphetamine from an Iranian vessel in the Arabian Sea near the Lakshadweep Islands.

Investigators said intelligence gathered before the operation indicated that a Nigerian national had allegedly arranged the shipment through intermediaries and placed an order for about 500 kilograms of illicit drugs. The consignment was reportedly intended for delivery to another vessel in Indian waters before distribution through a wider trafficking network.

The seized narcotics were estimated to be worth about 3,000 crore Indian rupees, equivalent to roughly $330 million in the international market. Authorities described the operation as one of the largest recent drug interceptions in the region.

Five Pakistani nationals aboard the Iranian dhow were arrested during the operation after security personnel tracked and intercepted the vessel at sea. The suspects, vessel and seized drugs were subsequently taken to Mumbai for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Indian security agencies said investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the alleged trafficking network and determine the full scope of the operation. Authorities are also examining possible international links connected to the shipment.

The seizure highlights continued efforts by Indian law enforcement and maritime security agencies to disrupt transnational drug trafficking routes operating across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region.