The operation was carried out by teams of the Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar (MBVV) Police, who launched a combing drive in the area at around 6 am, Deputy Commissioner of Police Poornima Chowgule-Shringi said
Foreign nationals, including those from Nigeria, Uganda and Ghana, living in areas such as Nalasopara. Representational Pic
In a major crackdown on illegal foreign nationals in Palghar district of Maharashtra, the police on Wednesday detained 109 Nigerians for verification of documents in the Nalasopara East area and recovered nearly 2 kg of cocaine during the operation, an official said, reported news agency PTI.
None of the detainees has reportedly so far been able to produce valid travel or residential documents, the official added.
The operation was carried out by teams of the Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar (MBVV) Police, that launched a combing drive in the area at around 6 am, Deputy Commissioner of Police Poornima Chowgule-Shringi said, reported PTI.
“At one location, we seized 2 kg of cocaine from a person, and an offence is being registered,” she said.
Foreign nationals, including those from Nigeria, Uganda and Ghana, living in areas such as Nalasopara, Achole and Tulinj have allegedly repeatedly been found to be involved in drug peddling, the official said.
“Several of these foreign nationals have been found to be involved in drug peddling, and it recently came to light that they have also set up illegal shops. The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation had information about these activities. Hence, we initiated coordinated action against drugs and illegal establishments,” Chowgule-Shringi said, reported PTI.
Police gave the detained persons an opportunity to produce their travel and residential documents, she said, adding, “So far, not a single person has been able to show valid documents. Those who can produce legal documents will be allowed to stay, while those who fail to do so will face further legal action, including repatriation.”
Foreign nationals prefer areas in the outer skirts due to low property rents, she added.
Thane woman held after call detail records reveal links to Rs 27 crore mephedrone seizure
An alleged woman drug peddler with multiple cases registered against her has been arrested in connection with the seizure of mephedrone worth Rs 27 crore in Maharashtra’s Thane district, police said on Tuesday.
The accused, identified as Rubina Niyazu Sheikh, was arrested from the Mumbra area of Thane following investigations into the drug haul, in which five persons were taken into custody last month, an official said.
Role exposed through call records: Cops
Her involvement surfaced after an analysis of call detail records (CDRs) of the arrested accused and other wanted persons showed that she was in frequent contact with them, he added.
According to police, the accused allegedly received consignments of mephedrone and supplied them in Mumbai and adjoining areas.
Sheikh had earlier come under the scanner after the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested her and her associate, Neelofer Sherali Cendole, from a dargah in Raigad district. Following the arrests, drugs, gold and more than Rs 1 crore in cash were recovered from her Bandra residence, the official said.
Last month, the Mumbra police seized 13 kg of mephedrone valued at Rs 27.2 crore and arrested five persons, including four suppliers from Madhya Pradesh.
The Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) is likely to be invoked against Sheikh and her associates, the official added, noting that more arrests are likely in the case.
(With PTI inputs)
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