Ugandan national deported from Hyderabad for illegal stay and suspected drug trafficking links

A 27-year-old Ugandan national, who was found staying illegally in India and was suspected of associating with drug peddlers, was arrested and deported by the Hyderabad police.

The woman, identified as Juliana Victor Nabitaka, a native of Kampala in the Republic of Uganda, was detained by the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) on credible information while she was moving within the Tolichowki police station limits.

During questioning, said she failed to produce valid documents to justify her stay in the city.

According to officials, Juliana had arrived in India on a tourist visa on February 12, 2024, through Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. During her stay, she travelled across the country and lived for extended periods in Chennai, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Police said she later came into contact with foreign drug peddlers and allegedly became involved in drug trafficking activities in Bengaluru and Hyderabad to earn quick money.

Her visa expired on January 18, 2025, after which she continued to stay in India illegally. During enquiry, she reportedly admitted that she did not possess a valid visa and had overstayed despite its expiry. Her passport, police said, remains valid until October 31, 2033.

Following her apprehension, the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing initiated deportation proceedings with the assistance of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office. An exit permit was obtained and she was blacklisted from re-entering India. Her travel was arranged from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, and she was deported to Uganda in the early hours of December 21 under police escort.

Officials said the action was taken to prevent her from indulging in activities considered detrimental to national security. The operation was carried out by a team led by an inspector of the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing.

Police also appealed to the public to remain vigilant, noting an increase in cases of foreign nationals overstaying visas and allegedly engaging in drug-related activities. Parents were advised to monitor their children’s activities, and citizens were urged to share information related to drug abuse with the enforcement wing as part of efforts to keep Hyderabad drug-free.