A Nigerian woman has been arrested by the police in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, after she was allegedly found in possession of cocaine valued at about N40.9m.
The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Joy, a Lagos resident, was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Chandan Nagar Police near the IT Park area of Sinhasa.
According to Indian media reports, Joy was allegedly travelling from Mumbai to Indore to deliver the illicit substance when she was intercepted during heightened security patrols ahead of the Rakshabandhan and Janmashtami celebrations.
The police reportedly became suspicious after spotting the Nigerian woman carrying a black bag in the IT Park area.
She was stopped and questioned by the officers, but her responses allegedly raised further suspicion, leading to a search conducted in the presence of female police personnel.
The search reportedly resulted in the discovery of 57.18 grammes of cocaine concealed in a transparent bag.
The seized substance was estimated by the authorities to be worth more than 29 lakh Indian rupees, equivalent to approximately N40.9m.
Investigators reportedly learnt that Joy entered India from Nigeria on August 14 with a seven month business visa. She was said to have been staying in Bandra East, Mumbai, where she allegedly worked at a hair salon alongside her sister.
During interrogation, Joy allegedly told investigators that she bought the cocaine at a relatively cheap price and intended to sell it at a higher price after taking it to Indore.
However, the police said they were independently verifying the claim as investigations continued.
A case has reportedly been filed against the suspect under Sections 8 and 21 of India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Following her arrest, police examined her passport, visa and immigration documents before she was arraigned in court and remanded in custody.
Investigators have also expanded their probe to the suspect’s mobile phone and other digital records in an attempt to identify individuals allegedly connected to the drug operation.
The police are seeking to establish the intended recipient of the cocaine in Indore, the person who allegedly supplied it and whether other members of an organised network were involved.
The investigation is also expected to shed more light on the alleged movement of the drug between Mumbai and Indore and determine whether additional suspects will be arrested.