Nigerian woman ‘jumps’ to death during Burari drug raid; chemicals, narcotics seized

New Delhi: High drama unfolded during a police raid on a suspected methamphetamine manufacturing unit in north Delhi’s Burari area when a 41-year-old woman, a Nigerian national, allegedly jumped from the balcony of a fourth-floor flat while police were conducting a search operation on Thursday.

She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead. Police also recovered a large quantity of chemicals and suspected narcotics from the premises.

The incident came to light during the investigation of a narcotics case being pursued by Delhi Police. The probe initially led to the arrest of a man identified as Frank Dashmond. During his interrogation, police reached a flat in Swaroop Nagar, where another African national, identified as Romeo, was found.

A search of Romeo’s residence allegedly led to the recovery of around 30 grams of MDMA and 1.5 grams of heroin. Acting on further leads, police teams then conducted searches at a residential building in Burari.

Police said two African nationals were residing in separate flats on the fourth floor of the building. One of the flats was occupied by a Nigerian national identified as Stella Pius. When police entered her apartment during the raid, she allegedly jumped from the balcony.

She was immediately taken to Burari Govt Hospital, where she was declared brought dead, police said.

During the operation, police also searched the flat opposite Stella’s residence, where another African national, identified as Martin Aaron, was staying. Police said a key recovered from Aaron’s possession was used to open a locked room inside Stella’s flat.

Upon opening the room, investigators allegedly discovered what appeared to be a clandestine methamphetamine manufacturing and storage facility. The room contained large quantities of chemicals, laboratory beakers, pipes, weighing machines, sacks and other equipment.

Police suspect the premises were being used both to manufacture methamphetamine and to store raw materials.

During the search, police recovered approximately 100 litres of chemicals, 10 litres of hydrochloric acid and 31 bottles (around 15.5 litres) of hypophosphorous acid, along with six empty bottles.

Investigators also recovered about 35.5 kg of suspected white powder, 21 kg of suspected black granules and 4.1 kg of suspected black liquid believed to be used in the drug manufacturing process. In addition, 192 grams of MDMA were seized.