Vashi Police in Navi Mumbai arrest Nigerian man wanted in drugs case after 15 years

Police said the accused disappeared during the investigation. Representational Pic/File

Vashi Police have arrested a Nigerian national who had allegedly been absconding for nearly 15 years in connection with a drugs case registered in Navi Mumbai, officials said.

The accused, identified as Chukwu Denis Agwu, was wanted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

According to police officials, the case dates back to October 2010 when a police team carried out an operation in the Vashi area.

During the raid, officers allegedly recovered around 4 grams of Methaqualone and 3.8 grams of meth powder from the accused.

Following the seizure, a case was registered and legal proceedings were initiated.

Accused remained untraceable

Police said the accused disappeared during the investigation and managed to avoid arrest for several years despite repeated attempts to trace him.

Officials stated that he remained underground while evading law enforcement agencies.

Recently, Vashi Police reopened the search using technical intelligence inputs and old case records.

After a coordinated operation, officers succeeded in tracing and arresting the accused.

Police described the arrest as a significant breakthrough considering the length of time the suspect had remained absconding.

Further probe underway

Officials said the accused is currently being questioned to determine whether he had links to a larger drug network or was involved in other criminal activities while on the run.

Further investigation in the case is continuing.