Jones Michael, a 32-year-old former Nigerian footballer, has been arrested in India for possession of methamphetamine worth ₹15 lakh (approximately ₦27.9 million).
He was apprehended near the Vijayamangalam toll gate in Erode, Tamil Nadu, by the Prohibition Enforcement Wing following a tip-off. The operation was led by Inspector Sivahami Rani, who confirmed that Michael was in possession of a significant quantity of the illegal substance.
Authorities discovered that Michael had overstayed his visa, with his passport having expired in 2023. Further investigations suggest he may have entered India illegally by sea, raising concerns over border security and unauthorized immigration. He has been charged under both the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Foreigners Act, and is currently held in judicial custody at Coimbatore Central Prison.
In connection to the case, a local man named Melvin, aged 49, from Perundurai, was also arrested. He had rented accommodation to Michael without verifying his legal documents or immigration status. Police emphasized the importance of proper verification when renting properties, especially to foreign nationals, as part of broader efforts to combat drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
