Narcotics worth Rs 1.83 crore seized, 11 arrested

In a major crackdown on drug peddling, the Navi Mumbai police's Anti- Human Trafficking Cell conducted a successful raid on Friday afternoon, apprehending 11 African nationals in Kopri village Sector-26A. The individuals were allegedly gathered for the illicit sale of narcotics. A substantial quantity of drugs, including cocaine, methoxylon, and MDA tablets, with an estimated value of Rs 1.83 crore, was confiscated during the operation.

Led by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Financial Crimes Branch, Dhanaji Kshirsagar, and Senior Police Inspector Prithviraj Ghorpade, the coordinated effort involved multiple units, including the Crime Branch Central Cell, APMC, and Vashi police stations. Acting on a tip-off received by the Anti-HumanTrafficking Cell, officers swiftly moved to raid Kush Apartment, where the suspects were reportedly residing.

Upon arrival at the scene, a confrontation ensued as the African nationals resisted arrest. However, law enforcement personnel managed to subdue them and conduct a thorough search, uncovering significant quantities of illicit substances. Among the seized items were 1679 grams of cocaine, along with methauculone and MDA, contributing to the total estimated worth of Rs 1.83 crore.

The arrested individuals, identified as Donatous Chidokwe, Ofozor Basile, Edwin Obirah Udairke, Frak Nzekwesi, Vinson Llabadi Ukaigwe, James Cooper, Oku O Leaoun, George Blason, Charles Teme Ozorann Wapoka, A Guson Koukou Allen, and Ndwe Okechukwan Donatus, were booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS).