Indian Police Arrest Nigerian National Over Cocaine Concealed in Bread

Indian law enforcement authorities have arrested a 29-year-old Nigerian national in connection with cocaine trafficking after discovering the illicit substance hidden inside loaves of bread.

The suspect, identified as Olajide Esther Iyanuoluwa, was apprehended by operatives of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) following intelligence that a woman was transporting drugs from Mumbai to Bengaluru. Officers intercepted her shortly after she arrived in Bengaluru.

A search of her belongings led to the recovery of 121 grams of cocaine concealed within bread loaves packed among other food items in her backpack. Investigators said holes had been drilled into the loaves to hide the drugs, a tactic aimed at evading security checks. The seized cocaine was estimated to be worth about ₹1.2 crore.

Police investigations revealed that Olajide entered India last year on a student visa but did not enroll in any academic institution. Instead, she reportedly moved between several locations in Mumbai and its suburbs, including Ghatkopar, Ambawadi, and Nallasopara, while allegedly engaging in drug-related activities.

According to senior officers, the cocaine was sourced from an associate in Mumbai, and Olajide was instructed to personally deliver it to another Nigerian national based in Bengaluru to avoid detection through courier services.

Following her arrest and statement, the CCB carried out a follow-up operation near Varthur, leading to the arrest of the intended recipient. Authorities confirmed that the suspect was deported after due process.

Police officials noted that the case underscores the increasing use of everyday household items to transport narcotics and said surveillance of interstate drug trafficking networks has been intensified. Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider supply chain and identify other individuals linked to the operation.