Four foreign nationals overstaying in Hyderabad arrested, deportation initiated

Four foreign nationals involved in drug-peddling activities in Hyderabad and Bengaluru were arrested by the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) on Monday. The police have initiated their deportation with the assistance of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

The accused were identified as Maxwell Anthony Izuchukwu, 29 and Chinaza Nnanna Vivian alias Ibrahim Niasha, 38, both from Nigeria, Mwajuma Almasi Masisila, 30, from Tanzania and Ahmed Hamid Abujabr Hamid, 27, from Sudan. According to officials, these individuals had entered India on various visa categories including tourist, student, and medical visas. Despite the expiry of their visas and passports, they continued to overstay illegally in the country.

Mwajuma Almasi Masisila, residing in Banjara Hills, was found to be associated with drug offenders and maintained close ties with the other three accused. Though no narcotic substances were seized during their search, investigations revealed that all four were involved in drug-peddling operations across Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

When questioned by the authorities, the four failed to provide valid documentation or a satisfactory explanation for their continued presence in the country. Coordination with the FRRO confirmed that their visas had expired, making their stay in India unauthorised. Considering their suspected involvement in illegal drug trade and their status as overstaying foreigners, H-NEW initiated deportation procedures in collaboration with the respective embassies and FRRO.

The four individuals will be deported to their home countries and blacklisted, ensuring they are barred from re-entering India in the future. Police officials emphasised that allowing their continued presence in the country posed a serious risk to public health and national security, given their suspected association with drug trafficking networks.

The police issued a public advisory asking citizens to report any information relating to drug trafficking or abuse by contacting the H-NEW team on mobile number 8712661601.