Navi Mumbai: Drugs worth Rs 1.83 cr seized; 11 African nationals arrested

Cocaine, mephedrone and MDMA tablets seized by the police

The Navi Mumbai police arrested 11 African nationals, who had been living in India without valid passports and other crucial documents, and confiscated various nature of narcotic substances collectively worth Rs 1.83 crore, whose international price could go up to R20 crore. They have been booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The drugs seized included cocaine, mephedrone and MCDMA tablets, along with cash and mobile phone - making a total of Rs 2.04 crore. Amit Kale, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Navi Mumbai police confirmed the raids and said a case has been registered at the APMC police station. "We have arrested around 11 African nationals and seized drugs that include 1668 grams of cocaine, 97 grams of mephedrone and 44 grams of MDMA from the 11 accused who will be produced in court and further taken into custody for further investigation," he said.

The police said the accused were involved in the consumption and illegal supply of drugs across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Mira-Bhayandar and suspected their stay to be illegal, thus verifying their passport, visa and other documents.

Acting on a complaint registered by Anil Mandole, a police constable based with the Anti Human Trafficking cell of Navi Mumbai crime branch, the police raided the flat in a dilapidated building in Kopri village, Sector 26 A, Vashi. "We received information about them being staying illegally and are into drugs business and running a supply chain. Accordingly, a team of more than 50 members of the local Narcotics cell of Navi Mumbai raided flats on the second and third floors of the building.

Proper plans were made to raid different rooms simultaneously and police were also stationed surrounding the building since drug dealers from these nations have a history of throwing drugs and jumping off the building. Of the 14 arrested, 11 men and three women are African nationals but no drug was found on the women. Once we check the legality of their passport and visa, the women will be deported to their home country," said a police officer.

A significant operation by the Navi Mumbai police was carried out recently to crack down on illegal drug activities people are exploiting illegal and unauthorised buildings for such activities.