A Nigerian national, Frank Chibuzor Nandi, has alleged before an Indian court that anti-narcotics police officers planted cocaine on him during his arrest.
According to reports by the Times of India, the accused was arrested by the Worli unit of the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) for allegedly possessing 200 grams of cocaine in Mumbai’s Malad area last Saturday.
The estimated street value of the substance was placed at Rs 2 crores (approximately N360 million)
However, the accused claimed that the narcotics were planted on him and that he has been falsely implicated in the case.
According to police, acting on a specific tip-off, officers laid a trap near PJ Colony, Orlem Marve Road in Malad, and intercepted Nandi, who was reportedly carrying a bag.
Upon searching the bag, police said they recovered 200 grams of white powder suspected to be a narcotic substance.
A field drug test confirmed it to be cocaine. Police also seized a Honda City car from Nandi’s possession.
A panchnama was drawn on the spot, and Nandi was produced before the Holiday Court on Sunday.
While the police sought custody for further investigation, the accused told the court that he had been framed.
“The police simply arrested me, planted the bag on me, took photos and videos, and later said the seizure was drugs. I completely deny this,” Nandi said in open court when asked if he had any complaints.
The court advised Nandi to engage a lawyer, but the accused requested to first speak to his wife before appointing legal counsel.
The magistrate then directed police to facilitate a phone call to his wife.
Nandi remains in custody while further investigation is underway.
