Detectives in India have arrested a Nigerian Esther Iyanuoluwa Olajide for peddling cocaine hidden in bread loaves on the Streets.
The Times of India which reported the arrest said “Sleuths from the Central Crime Branch (CCB) have arrested a 29-year-old Nigerian national for trafficking cocaine, taking recourse to a rather unusual method: She had concealed the contraband inside bread loaves to evade detection.”
According to the report: Police seized 121 grammes of cocaine, valued at approximately ₹1.2 crore, from the accused, highlighting a growing trend among smugglers using everyday food items to transport drugs.
Although she had arrived in New Delhi last year on a student visa, probe revealed she did not enrol with any educational institution. Instead, she repeatedly changed her location in Mumbai and its suburbs: Ghatkopar (Gala Nagar), Ambawadi and Nallasopara, allegedly indulging in drug trafficking.
According to senior police officers, Olajide procured cocaine from a male associate in Mumbai and was instructed to personally supply it to another Nigerian national in Bengaluru.
“She was directed to carry the drug herself and hand it over to another Nigerian national residing in Bengaluru. This was done to minimise suspicion and avoid courier-based interception,” an investigating officer revealed.
CCB swung into action after it was tipped off that a Nigerian woman was travelling from Mumbai to Bengaluru by a private bus and was scheduled to meet a local drug peddler near Varthur. The accused was detained by a CCB team soon after she reached Bengaluru.
During the search operation, officers found the cocaine hidden inside bread loaves that were packed along with other food items in her backpack. Police said holes had been drilled into the loaves to conceal the narcotic substance inside.
Based on the accused’s statement, police later conducted a follow-up operation near Varthur and arrested the intended recipient of the drugs. Officials said the prospective Nigerian buyer was deported soon after his arrest.
“The case shows how traffickers are constantly innovating ways, using common household items and food as cover,” a senior officer said, adding that CCB has intensified surveillance on interstate drug movement networks.
Further investigations are under way to trace the larger supply chain and identify other associates involved in the racket.
Police have warned that strict action will be taken against those involved in drug trafficking.
Source: Times of India
