Police step up search to nab 154 absconding drug peddlers

In a bid to nab drug peddlers who have fallen off the police radar in the last few years, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of Mumbai Police has prepared a list of 154 absconders of which 57 are foreign nationals, and have circulated the list to all police stations and the Special Branch (SB) of the city police.

Shivdeep Lande, Deputy Commissioner of Police, ANC said, "We are stepping up the drive against them and we are blocking all means of trade for them. We have prepared a list of absconders wanted by the ANC and have sent it to all the police stations asking them to help us with more details such as registered cases against the peddlers wanted by the ANC."

"While most on the list are Indian nationals, 57 are international peddlers, mostly Nigerian. 50 per cent of peddlers wanted in our cases are repeat offenders. We have also written to the SB to get the details of international peddlers and revert back to us if they have fled the country," said an officer. As per Lande, foreign nationals who engage in drug peddling come to Mumbai on travel visa or student visa.

DRUG BUST

• The ANC has released a list of 154 absconders dealing in drugs of which 57 are foreign nationals.
   
• In 2017, 2680 cases were registered by the Mumbai Police and 214 kilograms of drugs were seized.