Ambernath:  The Ambernath Police have busted an alleged mephedrone (MD) drug network and seized 471 grams of the banned substance valued at Rs 94.90 lakh (nearly Rs 1 crore). Four persons, including a Nigerian national, have been arrested in connection with the case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Maharashtra Police Act.

The action followed a tip-off received by Constable Sameer Gaikwad of Hill Line Police Station about two persons arriving near Father Agnel School in Kohajgaon to sell MD. A police team led by Senior Police Inspector Shabbir Sayyed, under the guidance of ACP Shailesh Kale, laid a trap and intercepted Fakhruddin Nizamuddin Sheikh (20) and Asif Mohammad Kasim Sheikh (26), both residents of Ambernath West.

Police recovered 58 grams of MD worth Rs 11.60 lakh, an Activa scooter and a sickle from the duo. During interrogation, they allegedly revealed that the drugs were supplied by Shanu alias Shahnawaz Sabir Qureshi (29) from Kharghar.

Using technical investigation, police traced and arrested Qureshi, who allegedly disclosed links to Nigerian national Philip Anubuike (26). Anubuike was later arrested in Navi Mumbai, and police recovered a large quantity of MD hidden in his Burgman Street scooter.

The total seizure includes drugs, two two-wheelers, a mobile phone and a weapon. Further investigation is underway to identify other persons involved in the supply chain.