PANAJI: In yet another major breakthrough, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) arrested Faith Chiemerie, a 24-year-old Nigerian national, for allegedly possessing and trafficking narcotics valued at Rs 15.10 lakh.
Chiemerie was also found to be misusing the student visa for carrying out the illegal trade.
Superintendent of Police (ANC) Akshat Kaushal informed reporters that the woman was caught red handed in possession of 150 gms of Amphetamine, worth Rs 15 lakh and 100 gms of Ganja, worth Rs 10,000 during a raid near Green Park Hotel in Mapusa late Tuesday night.
"Chiemerie is believed to have played a key role in the drug supply chain within Goa. We have been able to disrupt the chain through which drugs were trafficked into Goa," the officer said adding that she travelled from Delhi to Bengaluru and Goa as a part of this lethal network.
The SP further revealed how Chiemerie deceived the Central government by misusing the official document to stay back in India.
"She arrived in India to pursue higher studies in Lucknow University. She was accordingly granted students visa in 2022 but did not take admissions there or ever traveled to Lucknow. Instead she stayed in Delhi for sometime from where she travelled to Bengaluru and then Goa" Kaushal said.
While a First Information Report is registered against her, the ANC sleuths are working on tracing both the suppliers and buyers connected to Chiemerie.
The ANC officials are coordinating with its counterparts in Karnataka for a further crackdown on the menace.
SP Kaushal also emphasised the comprehensive approach adopted by ANC in combating drug-related activities. "Our enforcement strategy targets individuals involved in drug trafficking, ensuring that charges are pressed against offenders," he stated, further elaborating on awareness across educational institutions.
"Simultaneously, we actively engage in educational initiatives, conducting awareness programs to educate and protect vulnerable segments of society, particularly the youth, from the risks of substance abuse."
