Indian authorities have arrested a Nigerian woman in Indore after allegedly recovering 57.18 grammes of cocaine valued at more than Rs29 lakh, estimated at about N41m, from her possession.
The suspect, identified as Imyunel Joy, a Lagos resident who had been staying in Mumbai’s Bandra East, was arrested on Saturday in the Sinhasa IT Park area during a police surveillance operation, according to The Times of India.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dishesh Agarwal, said police also recovered a mobile phone from Joy.
Police said officers deployed to monitor crowded areas during the Raksha Bandhan celebrations became suspicious after seeing Joy carrying a black bag at the IT Park.
According to the police, officers stopped and questioned her about her presence in the area but became suspicious after she allegedly failed to provide satisfactory answers.
A search of the bag reportedly led to the discovery of a transparent plastic pouch containing cocaine.
The police subsequently registered a case against Joy under Sections 8 and 21 of India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at the Chandan Nagar police station.
Police investigate alleged drug network
During questioning, Joy allegedly told investigators that she had purchased the cocaine at a lower price and travelled to Indore intending to sell it at a higher price.
Police said they were yet to establish the source of the drug or determine whether other people were involved.
The Times of India reported that Joy entered India on a seven-month business visa and had been staying in Mumbai before travelling to Indore.
She has reportedly been remanded in custody while investigators question her about the alleged supplier, intended buyers and other people who may be connected to the suspected drug network.
As a foreign national, Joy’s passport, visa and immigration records are also being examined by the authorities.
Investigators are reportedly examining her mobile phone and other digital evidence to determine whether she had links with people involved in the alleged supply chain.
Police are also investigating a possible Mumbai-Indore connection to establish where the cocaine was obtained and whether other individuals assisted in transporting or distributing it.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking to identify the source of the cocaine, its intended recipients and anyone else who may have been involved.
Joy has not been convicted of any offence, and the allegations against her remain subject to investigation and determination by the Indian courts.
