PANAJI
In a follow-up to the recent narcotics raid that led to the arrest of Nigerian national Ugochukwu Solomon Ubabuko, the Pernem police have arrested 38-year-old Dattaraj Pednekar from Anjuna for his alleged role in the same case.
According to Superintendent of Police (North) Rahul Gupta, Pednekar had rented his private scooter to the Nigerian without checking his identity or keeping any records.
The vehicle was later used for alleged drug peddling.
Police said Solomon, the main accused, has a criminal background with nine cases registered against him and is known to be a repeat offender.
Pednekar has been booked under Section 25 of the NDPS Act for allowing his vehicle to be used for illegal activities.
Solomon was arrested on October 14 near Old Ferry Point for allegedly possessing ganja and ecstasy worth Rs 40,000, which were seized from the rented scooter.
Police have warned vehicle owners and rental operators not to rent vehicles without proper verification, adding that they too could face criminal action if found aiding such activities.
