Nigerian Jailed for Drug Trafficking in India, Sentenced to 14 Years
A special court in Bengaluru, India, has sentenced a Nigerian national, Kingsley Samuel, to 14 years in prison for drug trafficking and immigration offences.
Samuel, 44, was convicted of possessing 140 grams of methamphetamine without authorisation and overstaying his visa. The verdict was handed down by Justice Vijaya Devaraj Urs at the Special Court for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases.
He was also fined Rs 1.6 lakh (approximately ₦3.2 million). Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional year of simple imprisonment.
Arrested in October 2022 by the Banaswadi Police in Bengaluru, Samuel had been in judicial custody since then. Authorities found the drugs in his possession during a routine security check in the Hennur area where he resided.
The court found that Samuel violated provisions of the NDPS Act and the Indian Foreigners Act.
“You were found in illegal possession of 140 grams of methamphetamine without any licence or permission to sell it to the public,” the judge ruled. “As a foreigner who overstayed your visa, you also breached India’s immigration laws.”
Meanwhile, Indian authorities continue to crack down on drug-related offences involving foreign nationals. In a related development, Indian anti-narcotics officials recently arrested another Nigerian, Ezeonyili Uchenna, also known as Kaleshi, with 17 grams of illicit drugs.
According to the Indian Talanga Narcotics Bureau, Uchenna was apprehended based on a tip-off. He initially denied possession, but officers reportedly discovered the drugs hidden in his pocket during a search.
Growing Scrutiny of Foreign Nationals
India has intensified efforts to curb drug trafficking, especially among overstaying foreigners. Nigerian nationals have often been caught in the crossfire, prompting renewed calls for closer monitoring of foreign residents in major Indian cities.
Samuel’s case underscores the risks of engaging in illegal drug activities abroad, as Indian courts continue to impose strict penalties on violators.
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Nigerian Jailed for Drug Trafficking in India, Sentenced to 14 Years