ANC Crime Branch busts drug trafficking network in Mumbai and Pune: 2 Nigerians and 5 Others Arrested, Including 2 Women

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The Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Mumbai Crime Branch successfully dismantled a drug trafficking network operating in Mumbai and Pune, leading to the arrest of seven individuals, including two Nigerians and two women. The seizure included 58.2 grams of Mephedrone (MD) and 15 grams of Cocaine, with an estimated international market value of Rs 16,14,000.

The accused have been identified as Succerino Michael Fernandes, a 58-year-old male; Quinton Michael Fernandes, a 34-year-old male; Anju Vijay Paul, a 57-year-old female; Vincent Ogbonna Ezima, a 33-year-old Nigerian national; Hyancinth Uzolgwe, a 46-year-old Nigerian national; Aniket Santosh Pardesi, a 21-year-old male; Gautam Kanjubhai Waghela, a 22-year-old male.

The ANC's Ghatkopar unit received credible information about a drug syndicate operated by Succerino Michael Fernandes, aged 58, and his 34-year-old son, Quinton Michael Fernandes, both from Kemps Corner in South Mumbai. Additionally, a 57-year-old woman named Anju Vijay Paul from Marve Road in Malad was discovered to be collaborating with the two Nigerian nationals, Vincent Ogbonna Ezima and Hyancinth Uzolgwe.

Further investigation revealed that Anju Vijay Paul would travel at night from Dadar to Pune in a passenger taxi, attempting to conceal her identity while engaging in illicit drug trafficking. Based on this information, a carefully planned operation was conducted on the midnight of July 10, 2023, at Dadar, resulting in the apprehension of Anju Vijay Paul, who was found to be in conscious possession of 58.2 grams of Mephedrone (MD).

Following the arrest, multiple locations were raided in Kemps Corner (South Mumbai), Marve Road (Malad) in Mumbai, Virar (West), and Pune. As a result, a total of seven individuals, including the aforementioned accused, were apprehended.

The seizure included 58.2 grams of Mephedrone (MD), valued at Rs 11,64,000 in the international market, and 15 grams of Cocaine, valued at Rs 4,50,000 in the international market. The total value of the seized drugs amounts to approximately Rs 16,14,000.

A case has been registered against the accused individuals under sections 8(c), 21(b), 22(b), and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, with the registered case number 63/23. The investigation is ongoing as the authorities work to uncover further links within the drug trafficking network.

"The successful operation conducted by the ANC Crime Branch serves as a major blow to the illicit drug trade in Mumbai and Pune, demonstrating our commitment to combatting drug-related crimes and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community." Said Prakash Jadhav, DCP ANC.