The attack on police officers from the anti-narcotics cell (ANC) by suspected Nigerian peddlers at Byculla on Friday has brought into focus the menace of Nigerian peddlers and has put the police machinery on the alert to deal with the problem. While statistics show the number of drug-related offences involving Nigerians has reduced in the last few years, officials in ANC say Nigerians remain a constant threat and are very much active.

Officials add infact the reason for the reduction in cases is because these peddlers have become more cautious and have been taking extra precautions to evade arrest. In 2015, there were 31 cases with 38 arrest. In 2016 there were 17 cases with 23 arrests, while in 2017 there were 14 cases with 29 arrests and in 2018 there are six cases with as many arrests of Nigerians. Deputy commissioner of police (ANC) Shivdeep Lande said they were on the alert and were monitoring the situation.