A Nigerian national, Frank Nandi, has alleged before an Indian court that officers of the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) in Mumbai planted cocaine on him during his arrest.

Nandi, 39, was apprehended on Saturday near PJ Colony on Orlem Marve Road in the Malad area following a tip-off received by the Worli unit of the ANC.

According to reports by the Times of India, the officers said they recovered a bag containing 200 grams of a white powder, which field tests indicated was cocaine.

The estimated street value of the substance was placed at Rs 2 crore (approximately ₦360 million). A Honda City vehicle was also seized during the arrest.

Appearing before a Holiday Court on Sunday, Nandi denied the charges and claimed that the drugs were not his.

“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 told the magistrate when asked if he had any complaints.

In response to the court’s advice to seek legal representation, Nandi requested to first speak with his wife. The magistrate directed the police to grant him access to make the call.

The court ordered his continued detention while police carry out further investigations.

Nandi’s case adds to a number of ongoing legal proceedings involving Nigerian nationals facing drug-related charges in India.