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

The arrest followed a raid in Pilerne, North Goa, on Friday, during which operatives seized 31.794 grams of suspected high-grade cocaine.

According to a report by Press Trust of India, the suspect was intercepted by the operatives, who recovered the contraband described as a white crystal powder believed to be cocaine.

A subsequent search on Friday led to the recovery of the substance, which was estimated to have a street value of 15.89 lakh.

During interrogation, Friday reportedly provided information that led to the arrest of his alleged accomplice, 42-year-old Sudhir Paleinkar, a resident of Sangolda in North Goa, on February 8.

Both suspects are currently in police custody, as investigations continue into the source of the drugs and possible links to a wider trafficking network.

They are expected to be charged under relevant provisions of India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, which prescribes severe penalties for drug-related offences.

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