Smuggler carrying heroin dies in hospital

MUMBAI, December 17: A Nigerian national who was arrested by the customs (preventive) commissionerate a few days ago for carrying heroin in...

MUMBAI, December 17: A Nigerian national who was arrested by the customs (preventive) commissionerate a few days ago for carrying heroin inside his stomach and rectum for the purpose of smuggling died at JJ Hospital yesterday.

According to a customs officer, on December 11, 1997, the officers received information that Tony Obedike was carrying heroin inside his stomach. He was intercepted at Sahar airport.

During interrogation, Obedike admitted he had 65 capsules of heroin concealed in his stomach and rectum. The officer said one capsule contains 10 to 15 grams of heroin. He was admitted to JJ Hospital for removing the capsules. Till the time of death, Obedike ejected 56 capsules of heroin weighing 740 grams and valued at Rs 74 lakh.

The officer said Obedike’s condition deteriorated yesterday as the plastic which was used to wrap the capsules burst and the heroin went directly into his stomach and intestines. He breathed his last at 7:30 pm yesterday.