Police Arrest Nigerian National in Palghar with Drugs Worth Over ₹1 Crore

In a significant drug operation, police in Palghar, Maharashtra, arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian man and seized mephedrone valued at over ₹1 crore. The arrest followed a tip-off about foreign nationals involved in drug sales in the area. Authorities are also investigating the landlord for failing to verify the tenant's foreign status. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding drug trafficking and foreign nationals in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2026, 11:47 IST

Significant Drug Bust in Palghar

Palghar, July 29 - Authorities in Maharashtra's Palghar district have apprehended a 53-year-old Nigerian man, seizing mephedrone valued at ₹1.02 crore. This information was disclosed by officials on Wednesday. They also indicated that a case has been filed against the landlord of the property where the suspect was residing, for allegedly renting out the premises without conducting mandatory verification of the foreign national.

Senior Inspector Amar Marathe from the Tulinj police station informed a news agency that the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) received a tip-off regarding foreign nationals involved in drug trafficking in a flat located in the Nalasopara area of Palghar district. Acting on this intelligence, police conducted a search on Monday, leading to the arrest of the Nigerian individual and the examination of his rented accommodation. The arrested individual has been identified as Justin Osefo, also known as Michael Grace.

During the search, authorities recovered 2.054 kilograms of mephedrone, estimated to be worth ₹1,02,75,000. Marathe stated that charges have been filed against the suspect under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, as well as relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Immigration and Foreigners Act.