African National Arrested with Mephedrone (MD) Drugs Worth ₹31.20 Lakh in Mira Bhayandar

December 11, 2024, Mira Bhayandar: A 41-year-old African national was arrested by the Crime Branch (Zone II) of the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) Police for possessing narcotic drugs worth ₹31.20 lakh. The drugs, mephedrone (MD), were seized after the suspect was caught in a dramatic chase by the police in the Nallasopara area early on Sunday morning.

The incident took place around midnight when a night patrolling unit, led by Police Inspector Shahuraj Ranaware, noticed a man acting suspiciously opposite Agarwal Complex in the Achole locality of Nallasopara. Upon spotting the police jeep, the man attempted to flee, prompting a hot pursuit. The suspect was quickly apprehended, and a subsequent search revealed he was carrying 260 grams of mephedrone, valued at ₹31.20 lakh in the international drug market.

The accused, identified as David Oniyaka Chidalo (45), hailing from an African country, was immediately arrested. The police have registered an offence under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The seized contraband is being investigated to determine its source and the potential buyers.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the police are also scrutinizing Chidalo's immigration status, checking the legality of his stay in India. The accused has been handed over to the Achole Police Station for further questioning and legal proceedings.

This arrest comes as part of continued efforts by the MBVV police to combat narcotics-related crimes in the region and curb the growing menace of drug trafficking. Authorities have vowed to intensify their crackdown on drug peddling networks operating in the area.