Massive ₹5.6 Cr Drug Lab Uncovered in Nalasopara Flat, Nigerian Woman Arrested

Palghar, May 17 — In a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in the region, Tulinj Police on Friday evening uncovered a clandestine drug manufacturing unit operating out of a residential apartment in Pragati Nagar, Nalasopara East. The operation led to the arrest of a 26-year-old Nigerian woman and the seizure of mephedrone (MD) and raw materials valued at over ₹5.6 crore.

The accused, identified as Rita Fati Kurebewei, was taken into custody following a raid at Anshit Plaza, where she had allegedly been producing large quantities of the synthetic drug. Police sources confirmed that the premises were fully outfitted as a drug lab, with substantial quantities of both finished MD and precursor chemicals found at the scene.

“Upon entering the flat, we discovered it was being used as a sophisticated drug manufacturing unit. Equipment and raw materials for large-scale production were seized,” said a senior official from the Tulinj Police.

The arrested woman is reportedly in India without a valid visa, adding immigration violations to the list of criminal charges. Police have booked her under multiple sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and an investigation is underway to determine the full extent of her operations.

Authorities have also identified an alleged accomplice, Henryuchenna Uwakwe, who remains absconding. A manhunt has been launched to trace his whereabouts.

This operation forms part of a larger anti-narcotics initiative by the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate, aimed at dismantling drug networks in the region. Recent months have seen a surge in similar cases involving foreign nationals, particularly Nigerian citizens, raising concerns about immigration control and law enforcement coordination.

Officials highlighted that Nalasopara is increasingly becoming a hotspot for synthetic drug production, with easy access and growing demand among the youth fuelling this dangerous trend.

“The growing menace of synthetic drugs like mephedrone is a national concern. We are committed to identifying and eliminating these networks with full force,” the official added.

The police have also appealed to residents to report suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods and have assured that strict action will be taken to ensure community safety.