The Anti-Narcotics Cell of the Navi Mumbai police on Thursday afternoon, April 27, arrested a Nigerian national Ugochukwu John Nnadi for trying to sell mephedrone rock and powder.

The police have seized around 25 gram of the drug in powder form and 85 gram in rock form, together estimated to be worth around 3.30 lakh.

Inspector Maya More, who confirmed the arrest said he had received a tip-off about the accused, and accordingly sub-inspector Amit Shelar and his team had been laying traps in Koparkhairane for last three days.

The 37-year-old was nabbed near Janvikas CHS in Sector 11.

"When he realised that we were police officials, he tried to escape. After a struggle, we caught hold of him. We found some pav in his possession, and on opening it, we found the drugs hidden inside," Ms. More said.

Police found that Nnadi had come to India around three years ago on a business visa and had started trading in women’s and children’s clothing. The visa has now expired. He later started peddling drugs to make easy money.

"He was produced in court and has been remanded in police custody till May 5, giving us more time to interrogate him. We will investigate to find out who he planned to sell the drugs to," Mr Shela said.