Nigerian arrested in India after Goa police seized 31.794g of cocaine valued at 15.89 lakh. Investigation into trafficking links continues

Operatives of the Goa Police Crime Branch have arrested a 42-year-old Nigerian national, Omorigo Friday, over alleged possession and trafficking of cocaine valued at approximately 15.89 lakh in the international market.

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The Nigerian arrested in India was apprehended during a raid in Pilerne, North Goa, on Friday, where officers recovered 31.794 grams of suspected high-grade cocaine.

According to the Press Trust of India, operatives intercepted Omorigo Friday and seized a white crystalline substance believed to be cocaine. Authorities estimated the street value of the recovered drugs at 15.89 lakh.

Investigators said further interrogation of Omorigo Friday led to the arrest of an alleged accomplice, Sudhir Paleinkar, also 42, a resident of Sangolda in North Goa. Sudhir Paleinkar was detained on February 8 following intelligence obtained during questioning.

Both suspects remain in police custody as investigators examine the source of the drugs and possible links to a wider trafficking network operating in the region.

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Officials indicated that the accused are expected to be charged under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, which carries stringent penalties for drug-related offences, including long-term imprisonment upon conviction.

Authorities have not disclosed whether additional arrests are imminent.