Police planted N300m drugs on me, Nigerian tells Indian court

A 39-year-old Nigerian man, Frank Nandi, has told an Indian court that officers of the Worli unit of the Anti-Narcotics Cell planted drugs on him shortly after he was arrested in Mumbai’s Malad area.

It was learnt on Tuesday that Nandi was apprehended on Saturday following a tip-off.

According to the Times of India on Monday, officers reportedly laid an ambush near PJ Colony on Orlem Marve Road, where they intercepted Nandi, who was carrying a bag.

During the search, police claimed to have recovered 200 grams of white powder from the bag, which a preliminary field test confirmed to be cocaine.

The seized quantity is estimated to be worth Rs 2 crore (approximately N360 million).

A Honda City car was also reportedly confiscated from Nandi.

He was subsequently brought before a Holiday Court on Sunday, where the police sought his remand for further investigation.

However, Nandi denied the allegations, insisting that he was 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,” he said in open court, responding to the magistrate’s question on whether he had any complaints.

While the court advised Nandi to engage legal representation, he requested to speak with his wife first before appointing a lawyer.

The magistrate instructed police to facilitate the phone call. Nandi remains in custody as investigations continue.

Nandi joins a growing list of Nigerians, including Ifeoluwa Akinwunmi and Chikuwuma, who are currently facing trial in India on drug-related charges.