Nigerian hairstylist arrested in India for smuggling cocaine disguised as bread

A Nigerian hairstylist, Onuoha Blessing, has been apprehended by the Anti-Narcotics Bureau in Hyderabad, Telangana State, for her alleged involvement in smuggling illegal drugs. The arrest took place on Monday in Hyderabad, where Blessing had reportedly traveled to deliver the illicit substances to an individual.

According to reports from the Times of India, Blessing is accused of transporting cocaine from Bengaluru to Hyderabad back in 2018, using a rather unconventional method of concealment – inside a bread loaf. The police claim that an associate provided the bread and arranged her travel to Hyderabad on a private bus, with Blessing receiving an initial payment of Rs 10,000 for her role in the drug trafficking operation.

The story takes a twist as it is revealed that in 2017, Blessing connected with another Nigerian woman, also named Blessing, through social media. This individual, who resided in Bengaluru, allegedly played a pivotal role in assisting Blessing by facilitating the acquisition of a passport from the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. Armed with the acquired passport, Blessing made her way into India in 2018.

What’s even more startling is the revelation that Blessing was informed by her namesake that the cost of her travel to India amounted to a staggering N3.5 million. In return for this hefty sum, Blessing worked tirelessly in her namesake’s store for over a year without any pay. It was during this time that she crossed paths with another Nigerian national named Divine, who introduced her to the dark world of drug trade.

Despite facing a previous arrest in 2020 by excise officials in Hyderabad, Blessing was released on bail. However, she resumed her involvement in the drug trade upon her return to Bengaluru. Unfortunately for her, her recent trip to Hyderabad to deliver cocaine turned out to be her undoing. The report reveals that the intended recipient, the agent, was not available upon her arrival, leading to her prolonged stay and eventual capture by the authorities.

The arrest of Onuoha Blessing serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of drug trafficking and the lengths some individuals are willing to go to engage in this illicit trade. The authorities are now tasked with conducting a thorough investigation to dismantle the network and ensure that justice is served.