A 41-year-old Nigerian woman, Sarah Kumama, has been arrested in Bengaluru, India, over her alleged role in a transnational cocaine distribution network that has so far led to the apprehension of 25 individuals across Tamil Nadu since January.
A special investigation team was able to apprehend Sarah, who also went by the aliases "Happiness" and "Blessings," on Thursday, according to The Times of India. She was identified as a key member of the syndicate, which distributed drugs through connections to Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
The arrests of 31-year-old Royapettah resident Fayaz Ahmed and S. marked the beginning of the crackdown on January 25. Chandrasekar, 35, a Koyambedu resident. In a joint operation between Choolaimedu police and the Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit, both were found with cocaine. Authorities disclosed that Fayaz also has a pending murder case.
Subsequent arrests include Nigerian nationals Eko Nathanial Chibuzor from Mumbai and Ebere Moses Obogodo from Bengaluru in March.
Police said Nathanial was a key supplier to dealers in Chennai.
Both 33-year-old pub DJ Julian Dishan and bar manager M were also taken into custody. Arunraj, 29, who were allegedly distributing cocaine at a nightlife spot in Nungambakkam.
Among the suspects were also four people under the age of 21. “We have apprehended 25 people who are involved in this network with Sarah's arrest. Efforts are on to trace more links in the supply chain,” an investigating officer said.
65 grams of cocaine, 1.7 kilograms of ganja, two grams of ganja oil, four grams of OG ganja, twenty mobile phones, three motorcycles, three cars, and two weighing machines were among the items seized during the operation.