Navi Mumbai: A team of the Navi Mumbai crime branch‘s Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC), in coordination with multiple squads comprising 150 cops from various police stations, carried out a combing operation against African nationals involved in criminal activities such as drug peddling and living in India without a valid passport or visa.
Sub-inspetor Sandeep Nigade of ANC said, “Under the guidance of ACP (Economic Offences Wing), on December 12 night, a combing operation against African nationals for their involvement in criminal activities was carried out simultaneously by raiding 25 places where they were staying in rental apartments in Kharghar, Ulwe, Taloja, Koparkhairane, and Vashi areas.
Of the 16 African nationals arrested, 13 were found in possession of narcotics collectively valued at Rs 11.86 crore. The seized narcotics consist of 2.45 grams of cocaine worth Rs 10.22 crore, 663 grams of MD (ecstasy) worth Rs 1.48 crore, 58 grams of mythelene worth Rs 11.6 lakh, 23 grams of charas worth Rs 3.45 lakh, and 31 grams of ganja worth Rs 6,000.
Three other African nationals were arrested for possessing fake passports and staying illegally in India without a valid visa. Additionally, 73 African nationals whose passport validity or visa expired, but who were still staying illegally in Navi Mumbai, were served notices with an order to leave India immediately, crime branch officers said.
