14 foreign nationals arrested, Rs 1.10 Crore worth drugs seized

In a significant crackdown on drug smuggling, Navi Mumbai Police conducted a coordinated raid on Thursday morning, resulting in the arrest of 14 foreign nationals. This operation targeted a drug smuggling racket, leading to the seizure of narcotics, including MD and cocaine, valued at approximately Rs. 1.10 crore 10 lakh.

Under the directives of the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe, the Navi Mumbai Police have intensified their efforts against drug smugglers, particularly focusing on foreign nationals as part of the Drug-Free Navi Mumbai campaign. The operation commenced around 4:00 a.m., led by Senior Police Inspector Sandeep Nigde of the Anti-Narcotics Cell, with support from Assistant Police Commissioner of the Economic Offences Branch, Bhausaheb Dhole, and officers from the Navi Mumbai Crime Branch.

The police raided 11 locations simultaneously in the Ulwe, Kharghar, and Taloja areas, conducting a thorough combing operation. During this initiative, a total of 35 African nationals were checked.

Three individuals were arrested for possession of narcotics, with the police seizing 118.48 grams of high-grade cocaine (valued at Rs. 59.24 lakh), 100.84 grams of MD powder (valued at Rs. 50.42 lakh), and Rs. 43,500 in cash. A case has been registered against these individuals at Ulwe Police Station under the NDPS Act.

The operation involved a total of 125 police officers and personnel from the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate.