Indian police have arrested a Nigerian woman in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, after allegedly recovering cocaine valued at about N40.9 million from her possession.
The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Joy, a Lagos resident, was arrested by officers of the Chandan Nagar Police near IT Park in Sinhasa, according to News18 Hindi.
Police reportedly recovered 57.18 grammes of cocaine, valued at more than Rs2.9 million, from a transparent package allegedly concealed inside a black bag she was carrying.
The arrest was made during intensified security checks ahead of the Rakshabandhan and Janmashtami celebrations.
According to the report, officers on patrol became suspicious after spotting Joy carrying the bag. They reportedly questioned her but were not satisfied with her responses before conducting a search in the presence of female officers.
Investigators allege that Joy had travelled from Mumbai to Indore to supply the cocaine.
Police said Joy entered India from Nigeria on August 14 on a seven-month business visa. She had reportedly been staying in Bandra East, Mumbai, where she worked at a hair salon with her sister.
During questioning, Joy allegedly told investigators that she purchased cocaine at a low price and intended to sell it for a profit in Indore. Police said they were verifying the claim as part of their investigation.
A case has been registered against her under Sections 8 and 21 of India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Authorities have also examined her passport, visa and immigration records, while her mobile phone and other digital devices are being analysed to determine whether other individuals were involved in the alleged drug operation.
Joy was subsequently arraigned before a court and remanded in custody pending further investigation.
Police are now working to establish the source of the cocaine, identify its intended recipient in Indore and determine whether Joy was connected to a wider drug trafficking network operating between Mumbai and Indore.
