Hyderabad: Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) apprehended four foreign nationals in the city for overstaying their visas and alleged involvement in drug peddling networks. Officials said the operation was based on credible inputs.
The accused have been identified as Maxwell Anthony Izuchukwu (29) and Chinaza Nnanna Vivian (38), both from Nigeria; Mwajuma Almasi Masisila (30) from Tanzania; and Ahmed Hamid Abujabr Hamid (27) from Sudan.
According to the police, Mwajuma Almasi Masisila arrived in Banjara Hills on a tourist visa and was in contact with individuals associated with drug supply networks. Investigations revealed the group had links to drug trafficking in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
During questioning, they could not satisfactorily explain their stay or produce valid documents. While no drugs were seized from them at the time of arrest, background checks with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) confirmed their visas had expired and they were illegally staying in India while maintaining connections with drug peddlers.
They had originally arrived on various types of visas, including student, medical, and tourist visas. Police said they continued to remain in India even after visa expiry and associated with illegal drug networks, posing a threat to national security.
The H-NEW team, in coordination with the FRRO and concerned embassies, initiated deportation proceedings. All four will be blacklisted and barred from re-entering India.
Authorities appealed to the public to remain vigilant, warning that some foreign nationals misuse student, medical, or business visas and later engage in drug distribution, fueling addiction and social harm. Parents were urged to monitor their children’s activities, and citizens were asked to report any information on drug abuse to H-NEW at 8712661601.
The operation was led by Inspector G.S. Daniel, SI C. Venkata Ramulu, and the H-NEW team, under the supervision of Y.V.S. Sudheendra, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Task Force/HNEW, Hyderabad City.
