Posted by AI on 2026-01-30 16:24:43 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 14:24:12
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In a significant development in the fight against drug trafficking, the Hyderabad Narcotic Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) has successfully apprehended and deported a Nigerian national, Johnkennedy Chukwuemeka Okoro, for overstaying his visa and alleged involvement in illegal drug activities. This operation, a testament to the city's commitment to tackling the drug menace, has once again brought the issue of foreign nationals overstaying visas and engaging in criminal activities to the forefront.
Okoro, aged 43, originally from Imo State, Nigeria, entered India in 2012 on a business visa and engaged in the garment trade. However, a routine inquiry revealed that his passport and visa had expired, and he had been living in the country illegally, frequently travelling between Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The Hyderabad City Police's investigation further uncovered his alleged involvement in drug peddling, a lucrative yet illegal means to sustain himself.
The suspect was arrested within the jurisdiction of the Asif Nagar Police Station. Despite no drugs being found on his person, the authorities, with the assistance of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), confirmed his expired visa status and his alleged role in drug trafficking. The deportation process, a collaborative effort between H-NEW and FRRO, ensured Okoro's return to Nigeria, marking the 22nd successful deportation of foreign nationals by H-NEW, 10 of whom were deported this year alone for similar visa violations.
The Hyderabad Police, in a public appeal, emphasized the rising trend of foreigners overstaying their visas and engaging in drug-related crimes, urging citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. This operation underscores the city's zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse and illegal immigration, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies in maintaining national security.