Dombivli: Police have detained 24 Nigerian nationals from a high-profile society in the Khoni-Palava area of Dombivli. The detained foreign nationals are originally from Ghana and Uganda in South Africa. Police are investigating whether the detained Nigerians have any connection with drug trafficking. The major action was carried out through a joint combing operation conducted by Thane and Navi Mumbai Police between 3 am and 10 am. During the operation, a Nigerian woman allegedly attempted to flee by jumping from a building. Police said further action would be taken against her after obtaining details of the hospital where she is undergoing treatment. DCP Atul Zende told ‘The Perfect Voice’ that among the 24 Nigerian nationals detained, there are 14 men, six women, and four children. Out of the 24, seven individuals possess valid documents. Eight others do not have visas or passports, while passports of nine individuals have been submitted before the court as criminal cases against them are currently under trial. During the combing operation, Navi Mumbai Police also apprehended a Nigerian national wanted in a narcotics-related case. He has been handed over to Navi Mumbai Police custody. Out of the 24 detained individuals, nine already have cases registered against them under the NDPS Act. Police said no drugs were recovered from the detained Nigerians during the operation. However, investigations are underway to ascertain whether they have any links to drug trafficking activities. Police revealed that two Nigerian nationals had earlier also been arrested from the Palava area. The investigation has found that foreign nationals are able to obtain accommodation in the Khoni-Palava area at cheaper rental rates, leading to their settlement in the locality. Police are also investigating whether landlords had informed the police before renting flats to the Nigerian nationals. Action will be initiated against landlords who failed to provide such information to the police. Property agents who acted as intermediaries in arranging accommodation for these Nigerian nationals will also face action, DCP Zende said. The combing operation was carried out under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner of Police Suhas Hemade and Senior Police Inspector Sandipan Shinde of Manpada Police Station. The operation involved 2 ACP, 25 officers, and 80 police personnel.
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