Nigerian Woman Apprehended in Major Drug Bust in Gujarat, India
A Nigerian woman has been arrested in a significant drug enforcement operation in Surat, Gujarat, India, with methamphetamine and cocaine worth over Rs 2 crore, equivalent to approximately N307 million. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Surat carried out the arrest on Friday, January 23, 2026, as reported by The Times of India.
Ingenious Concealment Methods Uncovered
The contraband was cleverly hidden inside multivitamin containers and cornflakes packets, showcasing sophisticated smuggling techniques. Following the arrest, the accused was remanded to DRI custody for further interrogation and legal proceedings.
Intelligence-Led Interception on Train Journey
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted the woman while she was traveling from Faridabad to Mumbai aboard train No. 12904, known as the Golden Temple Mail. The operation involved collaboration with railway officials, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and the Government Railway Police (GRP), leading to her detention at the railway station.
Detailed Search Reveals Hidden Narcotics
Initially, the suspect denied carrying any illegal substances, prompting the DRI team to conduct a thorough search. Officers discovered a packet concealed inside a multivitamin container in her purse, containing a white powdery substance. A subsequent personal search uncovered a cornflakes packet strapped around her abdomen, which held a yellowish crystalline material.
Field Tests Confirm Drug Types and Quantities
Preliminary field tests using a narcotics detection kit identified the white powder as cocaine and the crystalline substance as methamphetamine. In total, authorities seized 903 grams of methamphetamine and 50 grams of cocaine from the passenger, highlighting the substantial scale of the drug haul.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigations
The narcotics were confiscated under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and the woman was formally arrested for further investigation. Authorities are now probing the source of the drugs and their intended destination to dismantle potential trafficking networks.
Laboratory Analysis and Value Assessment
The seized substances have been sent for laboratory analysis to determine their purity and exact composition. Based on a preliminary assessment, the methamphetamine is estimated to be worth between Rs 1.5 crore and Rs 1.8 crore, while the cocaine is valued at around Rs 50 lakh, underscoring the high monetary value of the confiscated drugs.
