A Nigerian identified as Hope Uzodima has been arrested in Navi Mumbai, India by India’s Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC).
YaahooJournalist understands that the 40-year-old Uzodima, living in Bonkhode village in Koparkhairane was arrested for possession of ivory and a sword cane.
Uzodima’s arrest was made possible with the help of another Nigerian identified as King Chukwudi Fidelis, who is also in police net.
It was learned that 30-year-old Fidelis was arrested at Sector 13 in Koparkhairane last week for the possession of 64 gm of amphetamine powder worth ₹3.2 lakh.
Investigations revealed that Fidelis had got the drug from Uzodima, and hence the police set out to nab him.
“While searching Mr. Hope’s house, we found a 12 inch-long elephant tusk worth ₹1.65 lakh and a sword cane. Upon interrogation, he confessed that he had smuggled them from Nigeria,” senior police inspector Ravindra Budhwant, ANC, said.
The sword, ivory, and passport seized for Hope Uzodima. Photo: The Hindu
The senior police inspector said the duo had entered the country on tourist visas, which looked fake to the police, and they would be verifying them.
YaahooJournalist reports that the accused claimed to have a clothing business in the country but police suspect the claim is an attempt to cover up the smuggling Uzodima has not yet revealed where he got the drugs from.
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau confirmed the authenticity of the seized ivory, after which the police has booked the Fidelis and Uzodinma under sections of the Wildlife Protection Act along with those of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Arms Act.
Meanwhile, YaahooJournalist understands that Uzodinma and Fidelis are currently in judicial custody.