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.
According to The Times of India, Sarah, who also operated under the aliases “Happiness” and “Blessings”, was arrested on Thursday, by a special investigation team.
She was identified as a key player in the syndicate with drug distribution links in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
The crackdown began on January 25 with the arrest of Fayaz Ahmed, 31, from Royapettah, and S. Chandrasekar, 35, from Koyambedu.
Both were caught with cocaine in a joint operation by the Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit and Choolaimedu police.
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..
Also apprehended were pub DJ Julian Dishan, 33, and bar manager M. Arunraj, 29, who were allegedly distributing cocaine at a nightlife spot in Nungambakkam.
Four individuals under the age of 21 were also named among the suspects.
“With Sarah’s arrest, we have apprehended 25 people involved in this network.
Efforts are on to trace more links in the supply chain,” an investigating officer said.
Items recovered during the crackdown include 65 grams of cocaine, 1.7 kg of ganja, two grams of ganja oil, four grams of OG ganja, 20 mobile phones, three motorcycles, three cars and two weighing machines.
