The Chennai Police Department recently apprehended William Joseph, a Nigerian national, in Bengaluru for allegedly selling methamphetamine in Chennai. After his arrest, Joseph was transported to the Teynampet police station for further questioning as investigations into the drug trafficking operation continue.
Joseph’s arrest follows closely on the heels of another significant drug-related incident in Bengaluru last October. The city’s anti-narcotics wing, led by the Central Crime Branch (CCB), apprehended Chikdum Livonas, a 32-year-old Nigerian, after a major drug bust. CCB officers seized 1.03 kg of MDMA crystals, valued at Rs 1.5 crore, from Livonas in south Bengaluru’s Adugodi area. Livonas, allegedly distributing the drugs to college students and software professionals, was operating the drug trade on a two-wheeler.
In another development, the Chennai airport police successfully intercepted 1.5 kg of high-quality cannabis, estimated at Rs80 lakh, aimed at college students and IT professionals. Acting on intelligence regarding drug smuggling from Thailand through Delhi, Chennai’s Narcotics Control Special Police monitored passengers from Delhi on November 12, 2024. Upon questioning Mohammad Farooq (30) of Mannadi, Chennai, arriving on an Indigo Airlines flight, authorities discovered a hidden parcel of cannabis in his luggage.
Farooq, under interrogation, revealed that he was sent to Thailand by two Chennai-based associates to procure the drugs. He had been instructed to return via Delhi to avoid detection. Further investigation into Farooq’s phone records led to the identification of his associates, who were apprehended during a planned meeting at the Chennai airport.
The high-grade cannabis seized was reportedly intended for distribution among college students and IT professionals, further exposing the targets of these drug trafficking operations. The three individuals arrested in connection with the smuggling operation were subsequently brought to the Chennai Metropolitan Police Commissioner’s Office for further interrogation. The investigation into their network remains ongoing.