Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Sept 20, 2025: In a major success against international drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chennai Zonal Unit, has secured the conviction of James @ Emmanuel Chukwunonso Samson, a Nigerian national, involved in interstate and cross-border narcotics smuggling.
The case dates back to 17 July 2012, when NCB officers, acting on specific intelligence, intercepted three courier parcels in Chennai. Concealed in handbags, gasket boxes, and embroidery items, the parcels were found to contain 1.195 kg of heroin and 200 gms of methaqualone, valued at over ₹2 crore in the international market.
Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of James at Erode, where an additional 4 kg of ganja was seized. He had procured the contraband from Namakkal for overseas shipment.
After a lengthy trial, the Hon’ble NDPS Court, Coimbatore, on 20 September 2025, sentenced the accused to 10 years Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) and imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh under the NDPS Act, 1985.
The NCB emphasized that this conviction reflects its strong commitment to a “Drug-Free India (Nasha Mukt Bharat)”, achieved through meticulous investigation and prosecution.
The Bureau also appealed to citizens to support the fight against drugs by reporting information on narcotics through the National Narcotics Helpline – 1933, assuring confidentiality of informants.
