Nalasopara: The Anti-Narcotics Special Operation Team of the Tulinj Police Station dismantled a large-scale mephedrone drug manufacturing unit in Nalasopara East. The raid led to the arrest of a 26-year-old Nigerian woman, identified as Rita Fati Kurebewei, and the seizure of drugs and raw materials worth over Rs 5.60 crore.

Receiving a tip-off received, police raided a flat in Anshit Plaza in Pragati Nagar locality and discovered a fully operational drug lab inside the residential flat. The accused was allegedly manufacturing mephedrone (MD), a synthetic stimulant. The search also revealed a substantial quantity of raw chemicals, manufacturing equipment, and processed narcotics.

Police seized a total of Rs 5.60 crore worth of mephedrone, including finished product and raw materials used in the synthesis of the drug. “Our team successfully dismantled an illegal drug manufacturing unit and seized drugs worth more than five crore rupees. One Nigerian national has been arrested, and another key accused—believed to be her boyfriend and the mastermind—is currently absconding. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend him,” senior police inspector Vijay Jadhav of Tulinj police station said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested woman was staying in India without a valid visa or residence permit.

“This arrest raises serious concerns about the unchecked presence of foreign nationals involved in illegal drug trade in the region,” a senior officer said. “We will be initiating a combing operation to identify and verify the legal status of foreign residents in the area.” The case is being further investigated by PSI Rahul Phad, who played a pivotal role in uncovering the drug operation.