Nigerian caught with drugs worth Rs 54.5 lakh in North Goa

PANAJI: The anti-narcotic cell (ANC) of Goa Police on Sunday seized over 1kg of ganja, 420g of ecstasy power and 115g of ecstasy tablets, all worth over Rs 54.5 lakh from the rented premises of Nigerian national Chukwudi Johnson Ezechukwu, 34, at Siolim in North Goa. The accused, police said, does not have valid documents to stay in the country.

Police said the accused’s name had started cropping up in drug peddling circles during the last couple of days and that, accordingly, a police team was constituted to investigate the matter.

As per information gathered by the team it was found that the accused peddled drugs in Siolim based on which it was decided to conduct a search of the premises where he used to stay, police sources said.

The raid was conducted under the overall supervision of superintendent of police (ANC) Utkrisht Prasoon under the guidance of deputy superintendent of police (ANC) Mahesh Gaonkar. PI Shitakant Nayak was also part of the team. Police have registered the case under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

Drugs seized by police include ganja, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) commonly known as ecstasy, cocaine, charas, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) liquid, LSD paper, heroin, amphetamine, ketamine, dimethyltryptamine (DMT)

Synthetic drugs are imported by foreigners and mostly used during parties. “Synthetic drugs are sold in Goa during peak tourist season, when foreigners are in the state,” a senior police officer said.