A Nigerian woman identified as Emmanuel Joy has been arrested in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, after police allegedly recovered 57.18 grammes of cocaine valued at more than 29 lakh rupees, equivalent to about ₦40.9 million.
Joy, who is reportedly from Lagos, was arrested by officers from the Chandan Nagar Police Station in the IT Park area of Sinhasa while travelling from Mumbai to Indore.
According to Indian police, officers conducting surveillance ahead of the Rakshabandhan and Janmashtami celebrations noticed Joy carrying a black bag and considered her behaviour suspicious. She was stopped and questioned, but police said her responses were unsatisfactory.
Female officers subsequently searched her belongings and allegedly discovered a transparent pouch containing 57.18 grammes of cocaine. A mobile phone was also reportedly recovered from her.
Police said Joy had entered India from Nigeria on August 14 with a seven-month business visa. She had reportedly been staying in Mumbai's Bandra East, where she worked at a hair salon with her sister.
During questioning, Joy allegedly told investigators that she had bought the cocaine at a lower price and intended to sell it in Indore at a higher price for financial gain. Police said they were independently 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. She was subsequently taken before a court and remanded in custody while investigations continued.
Investigators are examining her mobile phone and other digital evidence as they seek to establish the source of the cocaine, intended buyers and whether other individuals were involved in the alleged drug network.
Authorities are also checking Joy's passport, visa, immigration records and movements in India as they investigate the alleged connection between Mumbai and Indore.
The allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation and court proceedings.
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