Hyderabad, India – Four African nationals have been deported from India after being arrested by Hyderabad police on charges of overstaying their visas and allegedly engaging in drug-related activities in Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
The operation, carried out by the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (HNEW) and the city’s Task Force, also led to the individuals being permanently blacklisted from re-entering the country.
The accused, identified as two Nigerian nationals, a Tanzanian woman, and a Sudanese man, had entered India over the past several years on various types of visas—tourist, student, and medical—but failed to leave after their visas expired.
Authorities said the group had no valid legal status at the time of their arrest and were living in the country in violation of immigration laws.
The case came to light when officers intercepted Tanzanian national Mwajuma Almasi Masisila, who had arrived in India on a tourist visa six years ago.
Officials noted that her explanation for sustaining herself in the country—despite having no clear employment and paying ₹25,000 per month in rent—raised serious suspicions.
Following her detention and interrogation, police uncovered her links to three other African nationals: Chinaza Nnanna Vivian, who entered India using a Sierra Leonean passport but was later confirmed to be Nigerian; Maxwell Anthony Izuchukwu, a Nigerian citizen on a medical visa; and Ahmed Hamid, a Sudanese national who arrived on a student visa.
All four individuals were reportedly involved in drug peddling operations in the cities of Hyderabad and Bengaluru, though no narcotics were found in their possession at the time of arrest.
Authorities said evidence collected during surveillance and questioning indicated their active participation in illicit drug networks.
In a statement, Hyderabad Deputy Commissioner of Police Task Force YVS Sudheendra confirmed that the suspects had overstayed their visas and were in violation of India’s Foreigners Act. “Their lifestyle and network of contacts raised significant red flags,” he added.
The Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing has now begun formal deportation procedures and has issued a strong appeal for stricter scrutiny of foreign nationals entering India.
Officials warned that overstaying visas was becoming increasingly linked with illegal drug trafficking and other criminal activity.
In addition to their deportation, the accused have been blacklisted, a measure that bars them from re-entering Indian territory. The enforcement wing has also encouraged landlords and institutions to conduct more rigorous background checks on foreign nationals seeking accommodation or admission.
The incident highlights a broader concern about visa misuse and the need for tighter immigration controls in major metropolitan areas. Authorities continue to monitor suspected drug trafficking routes and networks with international links.
The Hyderabad police reiterated their commitment to upholding the law and protecting public safety. They called on citizens to report suspicious activity and reaffirmed their zero-tolerance stance on narcotics.
Editing by M10News Crime Desk | Contact: crime@m10news.com
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