Illegal Drug Manufacturing Unit Busted in Nalla Sopara; One Accused Still at Large
Palghar, May 17 – In a major crackdown on narcotics, police in Maharashtra's Palghar district arrested a 26-year-old Nigerian woman for allegedly possessing mephedrone (MD) worth ₹5.6 crore. The arrest was made following a raid at her residence in Nalla Sopara, where she was found manufacturing the banned drug.
The woman, identified as Rita Fati Kurebewei, was apprehended on Friday evening after a tip-off led the police to her house in the Pragati Nagar area. During the raid, officers uncovered a full-fledged drug manufacturing setup.
“Upon entering the premises, our team discovered clear evidence that the location was being used to produce MD. We seized not only the ready substance but also various accessories and raw materials used in its production,” a senior police official stated.
Authorities confirmed that the seized contraband holds a market value of approximately ₹5.6 crore. Kurebewei has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
However, her alleged accomplice, Henryuchenna Uwakwe, is currently absconding. Police suspect the duo were part of a larger illegal operation focused on the manufacturing and distribution of mephedrone.
An intensive search is underway to locate Uwakwe, and efforts are being made to trace the broader distribution network linked to this operation.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the emergence of drug production hubs in residential areas and underscores the need for vigilant monitoring to curb narcotics-related crimes.
