22.86 kg Drugs Seized from Two Vasai Flats, One Nigerian Arrested

Vasai: The Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar (MBVV) police’s anti-narcotics cell (ANC) arrested a 37-year-old Nigerian man for allegedly manufacturing mephedrone (MD) from two flats in Vasai. The police seized contraband worth ₹11.08 crore, including 22.86 kg of MD, raw materials, and manufacturing equipment.

The accused, identified as Victor Odichinma, also known as Dyke Ramond, had moved into a rented flat in Mahesh Apartment, Evershine City, Vasai East, two months ago after residing in one of the 41 buildings that were demolished in Vasai East.

Following a tip-off on Saturday about drug peddling activities, the ANC formed two teams and intercepted Raymond late on Sunday night while he was walking on the street. A search revealed 48 grams of cocaine in his bag.

Further investigation led the police to his rented apartment, where they discovered chemicals and equipment for drug manufacturing. A key to another flat on the fourth floor of the same building was found, which also contained raw materials and chemicals for MD production. The second flat was rented by another Nigerian, Igvenuba Chimaobi, who is now on the run.

Raymond claimed to have been in Mumbai since 2014 on a tourist visa, with previous allegations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at the Azad Maidan police station. He also claimed to work in television serials and movies, including the recently released Sikandar, though these claims are being verified.

The ANC has handed Raymond over to the Waliv police station for further investigation. Authorities are tracking down Chimaobi, investigating the source of the raw materials, and identifying the flat owners where the drug manufacturing unit was set up.