Navi Mumbai, once known as a hub for Africans of different nationalities allegedly running drug cartels from areas such as Kharghar and Ulwe, has seen a dramatic change over the past two years. A massive crackdown by the Navi Mumbai police, under Commissioner Milind Bharambe, has brought their presence down to almost zero. With a zero-tolerance approach to drugs, the police, through the combined efforts of the Crime Branch, local police, and the anti-narcotics cell have carried out several major raids, instilling fear among those involved in drug trafficking.

“At the beginning of 2023, a massive crackdown was launched against African nationals, mainly from Nigeria, who were residing in several localities, including Kharghar, Taloja and Ulwe, following numerous complaints from locals about drug-related issues,” a Crime Branch officer said.