The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Navi Mumbai Police arrested Jeorge Ocante DaSilva, a 35-year-old native of Guinea, on Monday for possessing 410 grams of cocaine, allegedly intended for illegal sale. Acting on a tip-off, API Alka Patil of the AHTU led a raid at RM Heights Building in Ulwe, where DaSilva was found in possession of the narcotics.

Around 2:30 p.m. on October 28, officers discovered 410 grams of cocaine, valued at approximately Rs 1,02,50,000, hidden in DaSilva’s bedroom. Authorities also seized a mobile phone, a black Tabata weighing scale, scissors, plastic packaging bags, and a sky bag, bringing the total seizure value to Rs 1,02,55,610.

An FIR was filed at Panvel City Police Station under Sections 8(a) and 21(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Dasilva was presented in court and remanded to police custody until October 31, 2024. Investigations are ongoing, with the Crime Branch seeking potential accomplices and sources of the narcotics. Notably, Dasilva has a prior NDPS case registered at Nahar Police Station in Mumbai.

Navi Mumbai Police’s Major Drug Bust Uncovered.

The Bust

In a significant anti-narcotics operation, Navi Mumbai Police arrested 20 Nigerian nationals, including both men and women, during an alleged drug party in Kharghar. The raid was conducted late Monday night by the Anti-Narcotics Cell, assisted by police inspectors, constables, anti-riot personnel, and forensic experts.

The police team acted on a tip-off and targeted two eateries suspected of hosting the gathering. The operation resulted in the seizure of 107 grams of Mephedrone, an illegal drug, with a street value of approximately ₹26.77 lakh, along with a quantity of liquor.

The detained individuals are undergoing judicial proceedings under various legal provisions. Authorities emphasized their commitment to curbing drug-related activities and urged the public to remain vigilant. This operation underscores the Navi Mumbai Police’s ongoing efforts to combat narcotics and maintain public safety in the region.

Further police have issued a warning to stay aware of such incidents.

Police have initiated an investigation against four individuals for allegedly defrauding a 33-year-old woman from CBD Belapur of Rs12 lakh. The incident occurred between October 23 and 25, and a case was registered on October 27, according to an official.

The accused reportedly contacted the victim multiple times, impersonating officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). They falsely accused her of involvement in serious offenses, including money laundering, human trafficking, illegal advertisements, and public harassment.

Claiming to help her “end these hassles,” the fraudsters demanded Rs12.35 lakh, which the woman, believing the threats to be real, transferred as instructed. However, after the payment, she could no longer contact them and realized she had been deceived.

Following her complaint, police filed charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 204 (personating a public servant), 318(4) (cheating), 319(2) (cheating by personation), and 3(5) (common intention). The police are now actively investigating the case and urging citizens to remain vigilant against such impersonation scams.