The anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) unit of the Navi Mumbai crime branch arrested a Nigerian couple on Thursday for allegedly possessing cocaine and mephedrone valued at approximately Rs 29.60 lakh. The arrest took place near Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Thane-Belapur Road around 11:30 pm.
Identification and Charges
The accused have been identified as Tony Ogbenna Adah (35) and his spouse Namakula Grace (30), who reside in Palawa City, a township near Dombivli in Thane district. Police recovered a commercial quantity of 25.4 grams of cocaine and 56.02 grams of mephedrone (MD) from their possession, estimated to be worth Rs 29.60 lakh.
Operation Details
Senior Inspector Sandeep Nigade of the ANC unit stated that the action was based on a tip-off that the couple would arrive at the location to sell drugs. A trap was laid, leading to their apprehension. Police also noted that the passports and visas of both accused had expired.
Previous Criminal Record
Adah was arrested two years ago by APMC police for possessing mephedrone. After being released on bail, he could not be deported to Nigeria as the court case was pending conviction. He had been living with his spouse in a rented apartment in Palava City for the past year.
An FIR under the NDPS Act has been registered against the accused at Turbhe police station.
Broader Investigation
Senior Inspector Nigade remarked, “The arrested Nigerian couple are members of the drugs cartel operating from their rental apartments in Palava City, which has apparently become a hub of drug peddlers.” Last month, in a major anti-narcotics operation, Navi Mumbai and Thane police conducted coordinated raids at 16 locations in Palava City township and Khoni Village, Dombivli, leading to the arrest of 24 African nationals, most of whom were Nigerian. This sweep followed the arrest of alleged international drug kingpin Paul Chigbata Onuoch, who was wanted by Navi Mumbai police in an international narcotics racket probe.
