PANAJI
In a follow-up operation to a crackdown on an inter-state drug raid in February, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Goa arrested a Nigerian national and froze Rs 1.06 crore worth of properties acquired through illegal means.
The same Nigerian, identified as Stanley and operating the large-scale racket from the coastal Candolim, was arrested by the Telangana police on February 5. He was brought to Goa on a transit remand and formally arrested on Wednesday.
The initial arrest in this series was recorded on February 13, when Raju S from Saligao was found in possession of 7.35 grams of cocaine. Additional Director of NCB Goa, Amit Ghawate, informed reporters that preliminary investigations revealed that Raju was merely a peddler operating within a larger drug network orchestrated by Stanley, along with his wife Usha C, both residing in Candolim.
“Stanley had engaged local persons to facilitate the distribution of drugs in bulk quantities to various customers. NCB Goa successfully arrested another field peddler named Michael from Candolim, a taxi driver, on February 16,” the officer further elaborated.
In pursuit of further leads, NCB conducted a raid on Stanley’s residence on February 15, only to find that he was already arrested by the Telangana Police on February 5 in connection with another NDPS case.
Subsequent investigations revealed the active involvement of Usha C in drug trafficking and the management of funds generated through this illicit network. Ghawate stated that Usha C was arrested on February 21, and proceedings for identification of illegally acquired properties by them were initiated in order to weaken the whole drug network.
“As a result of these efforts, properties worth Rs 1,06,10,375 belonging to Stanley and Usha C were identified and subsequently frozen by the NCB on April 4, marking a significant milestone in combating drug-related crimes,” the officer said.
