The Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Mumbai Police, Worli Unit, has apprehended a 46-year-old Nigerian national for the illegal possession of narcotics. The police seized 203 grams of cocaine, estimated to be worth approximately ₹2.03 crore in the international market.
The accused, identified as Eze Samuel Nweze, a native of Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, was reportedly residing illegally in Nalasopara, Palghar, without a valid passport or visa.
The Operation
According to the complaint filed by Police Constable Hanmant Vitthal Yedage, the incident took place on the night of June 11, 2026. A team from the ANC Worli Unit, led by Assistant Police Inspector Amit Ghogre and acting under the instructions of Senior Police Inspector Santosh Salunkhe, was conducting routine patrols in the central region of the city.
At approximately 11:25 PM, while patrolling near the Doordarshan Kendra on Sudam Kalu Ahire Road in Worli, the police team spotted a man of African origin carrying a black side bag. Upon seeing the police vehicle, the suspect exhibited suspicious behavior and attempted to flee the scene. The officers acted quickly to intercept and detain him.
Recovery and Arrest
During the initial questioning, the suspect confessed to possessing cocaine and revealed that he was in the area to supply the contraband to potential customers.
Following standard protocol under Section 50 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the accused was informed of his legal rights in English. A search of his bag was conducted in the presence of witnesses, leading to the discovery of a white powdery substance contained in a transparent plastic pouch.
On-site testing using a drug detection kit confirmed the substance to be cocaine. The seized contraband weighed 203 grams. In addition to the narcotics, the police confiscated a mobile phone, a railway ticket, and ₹600 in cash.
Legal Action
Further investigation confirmed that Nweze had been staying in India illegally, lacking both a valid passport and an Indian visa. The police have registered a case against the accused under the relevant sections of the NDPS Act and the Foreigners Act.
Further investigation into the drug supply network is currently underway.
