In a targeted operation in North Goa district, police arrested a 44-year-old Nigerian national, Joseph Ifeanyi Ozoemena, after recovering narcotics valued at around Rs 2 lakh from his possession.
A Crime Branch team, acting on specific intelligence, set up a trap early on Wednesday, March 25, at Cunchelim in Siolim village, Bardez taluka, where the accused was expected to deliver drugs, according to Superintendent of Police Jivba Dalvi.
Attempting to flee upon sensing the police presence, Ozoemena was apprehended. Authorities recovered 17.58 grams of amphetamine, a scooter, and a mobile phone from him. He has been booked under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Police stated that Ozoemena has a prior record of drug-related offenses, having been arrested by Goa’s Anti-Narcotics Cell in 2017. He remained jailed for seven years, was lodged at the Mapusa detention centre following his release in 2024, and was later released in December 2025 by order of the High Court.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on narcotics trafficking in the state and warned against involvement in illegal drug activities.
