Tanzanian national arrested in Mumbai with 205 gram cocaine worth Rs 51.25 lakh

A 60-year-old Tanzanian national was arrested by the Anti-Narcotic Cell (ANC) of Mumbai crime branch with possession of 205 gram cocaine worth Rs 51. 25 lakhs.

The police said the arrested individual has been identified as Nico Pius John, a resident of Nagpada, who used to sell the drugs in small plastic bottles claiming it was high quality cocaine.

"As per the information received by the Bandra unit of ANC, a trap was laid on Tuesday and a suspicious person was caught near the footpath of link road, Khar. We found a sack bag with John and checked it to find 205 grams of cocaine in it. He was arrested and a case was registered under sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic substance act, 1985," said a police officer from ANC.

Datta Nalawade, deputy commissioner of police, ANC confirmed the arrest. "He was produced in court and remanded in police custody till June 28. He had previous two cases of NDPS against him and was out on bail. He was active in the south and western part of Mumbai, where he was selling the drugs among youngsters and high profile residents, which is to be investigated," said Nalawade.

The police said John is a Tanzanian national who had come to Mumbai on a visit visa for clothes business, and was staying as a businessman. "We doubt about an international link to this Tanzanian national operating in Mumbai and its suburbs and are investigating to establish the syndicate operations," said a officer from ANC.