Nigerian couple arrested with drugs worth Rs 30 lakh in Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai: The anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) unit team of Navi Mumbai crime branch, on Thursday, arrested a Nigerian couple for possessing cocaine and mephedrone worth around Rs 29.60 lakh.Sandeep Nigade, senior inspector of the ANC unit, said the couple was arrested near Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital on Thane-Belapur road at around 11.30 pm on Thursday for allegedly attempting to sell drugs.The duo was identified as Tony Ogbenna Adah (35) and his spouse Namakula Grace (30), residing at Palawa City, a township near Dombivli in Thane district. Police said they were found in possession of a commercial quantity of 25.4 grams cocaine and 56.02 grams mephedrone (MD), estimated to be worth Rs 29.60 lakh.Nigade said the action followed a tip-off that the couple would arrive at the spot to sell drugs, following which a trap was laid and the two were apprehended.Police said the passport and visa of both the accused were expired.Police said Adah was arrested two years ago by APMC police after he was caught possessing mephedrone. After he was released on bail, he could not be reported to Nigeria as the court case was pending conviction. Police said he was residing for the past one year with his spouse in a rented apartment in Palava City township.An FIR under the NDPS Act was registered against the accused at Turbhe police station.SI Nigade said, “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, the Navi Mumbai and Thane police had conducted coordinated raids at 16 locations in Palava City township and Khoni Village, Dombivli, when as many as 24 African nationals, most of whom were Nigerian were arrested. The sweep followed the arrest of the alleged international drug kingpin, Paul Chigbata Onuoch, who was wanted by Navi Mumbai police in an international narcotics racket probe.“