The Mumbai Customs air intelligence team apprehended a 39-year-old woman from Nigeria after detecting that she was in possession of 350 grams of recreational narcotics, with an estimated value of around ₹2 crore.
The authorities took her into custody following the discovery of the illicit substances, signaling a significant intervention by law enforcement in curbing the illegal drug trade.
The individual, identified as a Nigerian national, now faces legal consequences for her involvement in the transportation of these substances, as the authorities work to address the broader issue of drug trafficking and its impact on society.
The seizure, which highlights the ongoing efforts of customs officials to monitor and intercept illegal activities, underscores the importance of international collaboration in combating the global trade of narcotics and protecting communities from the harmful effects of such substances.
According to The Hindustan Times, Customs officials reported that the woman had manufactured 20 narcotic tablets and concealed them in her underwear.
“We apprehended 39-year-old Victoria Okafor, currently residing in Shahpura, Delhi, at CSMI airport, Mumbai, while she was traveling from Mumbai to Delhi.
“Upon suspicion, a thorough examination of her baggage revealed a white-colored powder believed to be heroin, totaling 350 grams, recovered from 20 capsules hidden in two pouches concealed in her undergarments.
The seized narcotics substance is considered to be of a commercial quantity,” stated an officer.
Ms. Okafor, who earned a living selling clothes, faced charges under sections 21C (commercial quantity), 27 (consumption of narcotic drug or psychotropic substance), 27A (financing illicit traffic and harboring offenders), 28 (attempts to commit offenses), and 29 (abetment and criminal conspiracy) of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
She admitted that she had received the drugs from an individual named Onye in Nallasopara and was tasked with transporting them to Delhi, for which she would be paid ₹50,000.
“We requested her judicial custody as the investigation is in its initial stages, and she has provided us with some names and information about the nexus that needs verification and corroboration.
She could also potentially influence others and tamper with the material evidence, adversely affecting the investigation,” explained the officer.
The court subsequently remanded Ms. Okafor in judicial custody for a period of 14 days.
