Tarn Taran: Punjab Police have arrested a Nigerian woman in Tarn Taran district and recovered three kilograms of heroin believed to be worth nearly Rs 15 crore in the international narcotics market, officials said on Saturday. The arrest was made during a special operation carried out by the CIA staff following intelligence inputs about a suspected drug pickup in the border belt.
According to police sources, security agencies had received information that a foreign national was expected to arrive in the area to collect a heroin consignment. Acting swiftly, district police intensified surveillance and set up checkpoints across key routes on the outskirts of Tarn Taran.
During one such naka near the bypass, officers intercepted a Wagon R carrying a Uttar Pradesh registration number. The vehicle was being driven by a woman who appeared nervous during questioning, prompting a detailed search.
Police said the search led to the recovery of three kilograms of heroin concealed inside the car. The accused has been identified as Bella, a native of Nigeria’s Delta region, who had reportedly been living in Delhi’s Sunday Market locality.
Investigators revealed that the woman had originally entered India in search of employment opportunities but allegedly became involved in a narcotics distribution network operating across states.
Officials suspect she may have been linked to multiple drug pickups from Punjab’s border districts and are now tracing her possible connections with local and international traffickers.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and the vehicle used in the operation has also been seized.
Senior Superintendent of Police Surinder Lamba is expected to address the media later in the day and provide further details regarding the investigation, including possible links to larger cross-border smuggling operations.
