A 47-year-old Nigerian national has been arrested in Chennai, India, for allegedly supplying methamphetamine to information technology (IT) professionals in areas around Pallavaram and Tambaram.
The suspect, identified in local media reports as Promise Sukwu, was arrested by Pallavaram police following an investigation into the alleged distribution of the illegal substance to IT workers in the southern suburbs of Chennai.
The operation reportedly followed information obtained from a 26-year-old IT employee in Pallavaram, who was allegedly found to be using methamphetamine.
During questioning, the employee reportedly told investigators that a Nigerian national was supplying the substance, with prices ranging between 15,000 and 20,000 Indian rupees per gram.
Police subsequently arranged for the employee to contact the suspected supplier and request five grams of methamphetamine.
According to reports, the suspect indicated that he would deliver the substance after five days. Officers waited for the agreed meeting before arresting him.
The arrest was reportedly carried out around Pallavaram Radial Road.
There are conflicting reports about the quantity of drugs recovered during the operation. Some Indian media outlets reported that police seized 10 grams of methamphetamine, while other accounts circulating online put the quantity at 43 grams.
The suspect’s name has also appeared differently in reports, with some identifying him as Promise Sukwu and others as Promise Chukwu.
Investigators reportedly believe the suspect obtained the substance from Bengaluru and brought it to Chennai for distribution, including in areas around Pallavaram, Tambaram and Mahabalipuram.
Police are continuing investigations to establish the source of the drugs and identify other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged supply network.
The suspect was also reportedly found to have overstayed his tourist visa in India.
The immigration issue is expected to form part of the investigation alongside the allegations of drug distribution.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
