A 32-year-old Nigerian national, identified as Jones Duro Michael, was arrested in Erode on Saturday night for possessing methamphetamine valued at 15 lakh. The arrest was made by a Prohibition Enforcement Wing (PEW) team, led by Inspector S Sivahami Rani, near the Vijayamangalam toll gate after receiving a tip-off.
During questioning, it was revealed that Michael, who is a footballer by profession, did not have valid visa or residency documents to remain in Tamil Nadu. His passport had expired in 2023, and authorities believe he may have entered India illegally via the sea route. The investigation is ongoing, with further inquiries to determine the full extent of his illegal activities.
The police have filed charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Foreigners Act. Michael has been remanded to judicial custody at Coimbatore Central Prison.
In a separate development, Melvin, a 49-year-old man from Perundurai, was also arrested for renting his house to Michael without verifying his identity and documentation.