Operatives of the Goa Police Crime Branch in India have arrested a 42-year-old Nigerian national, identified as Omorigo Friday, over alleged possession and trafficking of cocaine valued at about ₹15.89 lakh in the international market.
The arrest followed a targeted raid carried out in Pilerne, North Goa, on Friday, during which police recovered 31.794 grams of suspected high-grade cocaine.
According to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the suspect was intercepted by operatives who discovered a white crystalline powder believed to be cocaine in his possession. A subsequent search confirmed the substance, with authorities estimating its street value at ₹15.89 lakh.
During interrogation, Friday reportedly provided information that led to the arrest of his alleged accomplice, Sudhir Paleinkar, also 42, a resident of Sangolda in North Goa, on February 8.
Both suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue to trace the source of the drugs and uncover possible links to a wider trafficking network.
The suspects are expected to be charged under the provisions of India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which carries stiff penalties for drug-related offences.
PUNCH