A Nigerian woman has been arrested in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, after police allegedly recovered 57.18 grammes of cocaine worth more than Rs29 lakh, estimated at about N40.9 million.
The woman, identified as Emmanuel Joy, a Lagos resident, was arrested by the Chandan Nagar Police after she was allegedly found carrying the illicit substance near IT Park, Sinhasa.
According to a report by News18 Hindi on Monday, Joy was travelling from Mumbai to Indore, allegedly to supply the cocaine.
The arrest reportedly occurred during intensified police checks ahead of the Rakshabandhan and Janmashtami celebrations. Police officers patrolling the IT Park, Sinhasa area reportedly became suspicious after spotting Joy carrying a black bag.
“A foreign woman carrying a black bag appeared suspicious,” police were quoted as saying.
Officers reportedly stopped and questioned her, but allegedly found her responses unsatisfactory. A subsequent search, conducted in the presence of female police officers, allegedly led to the discovery of 57.18 grammes of cocaine concealed in a transparent bag.
The seized substance was valued at more than Rs29 lakh, according to the report.
News18 Hindi reported that Joy entered India from Nigeria on August 14 with a seven-month business visa. She was reportedly residing in Bandra East, Mumbai, where she worked at a hair salon alongside her sister.
During interrogation, Joy allegedly told investigators that she bought the cocaine at a lower price and intended to sell it at a higher price in Indore. Police, however, are said to be independently verifying the claim.
A case has been registered against her under Sections 8 and 21 of India's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Following her arrest, police reportedly examined her passport, visa and immigration records before she was produced before a court and remanded in custody pending further investigation.
Investigators have also expanded the probe to include her mobile phone and other digital data in an effort to identify individuals allegedly connected to the suspected drug network.
Police are seeking to establish who purchased the cocaine, its intended recipient in Indore and whether other individuals were involved in the alleged operation.
The investigation is expected to shed more light on the suspected supply chain between Mumbai and Indore and determine whether additional suspects are linked to the case.
For sponsorship and advert contact:
Post a Comment