Yan Nigeria
A 25-year-old Nigerian woman, Ifeoluwa Akinwunmi, identified as a hairstylist and hair vendor, was arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Wing of India’s Central Crime Branch in Bengaluru for alleged drug trafficking. Authorities seized 5.325 kilograms of MDMA (ecstasy) crystals, valued at over ₦1.7 billion, from her possession….CONTINUE READING
Akinwunmi, who faces up to 20 years imprisonment if convicted, claims she was unaware of the contents of the bag she was carrying.
Investigations are ongoing to trace the drug syndicate’s network and verify her claims
The arrest, which occurred on monday followed a tip-off that led police to intercept Akinwunmi in a sting operation. According to reports, the drugs were concealed in a bag she was transporting, which she allegedly received from an unidentified source.
In her defense, Akinwunmi stated she believed the bag contained legitimate goods related to her hair vending business and was unaware it held illicit substances.
The seized MDMA, a synthetic drug popular in party circuits, is considered one of the largest hauls in Bengaluru’s recent anti-narcotics operations
“She claimed she was given the bag by someone and had no knowledge of the drugs inside,” a senior police official said, adding that investigations are ongoing to trace the drug syndicate’s network and verify her claims. The seized MDMA, a synthetic drug popular in party circuits, is considered one of the largest hauls in Bengaluru’s recent anti-narcotics operations.
If convicted under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Akinwunmi could face a minimum of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, with no possibility of bail during the trial.
The case has raised concerns about the vulnerability of young Nigerians being exploited by international drug cartels, a recurring issue highlighted by past incidents, such as the 2007 execution of Iwuchukwu Amara Tochi in Singapore for drug trafficking, where he similarly claimed ignorance of the contraband.
The Nigerian High Commission in India has not yet issued a statement, but sources indicate they are monitoring the situation.CONTINUE READING
