“Year-to-Date: Major Drug Trafficking Arrests and Seizures in Hyderabad in 2024”
Hyderabad, September 7, 2024: The Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (HNEW) has deported Ikeji Innocent Nduka, a 53-year-old Nigerian national, on suspicions of drug peddling. Nduka was apprehended in Panjagutta, Hyderabad, on September 7, 2024, marking a significant action in the ongoing efforts against drug trafficking in the city.
Nduka entered India in 2009 on a medical visa and initially settled in Mumbai. In 2014, he moved to Chennai, where he ran a garments business for four years. In May 2024, he relocated to Hyderabad, where he allegedly engaged in drug-related illegal activities.
During the investigation, Nduka confessed to overstaying his visa and using a false identity to evade legal repercussions. His fraudulent documentation was intended to facilitate his return to Nigeria without encountering legal obstacles.
The HNEW’s action against Nduka is part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking in Hyderabad. In recent months, law enforcement agencies have intensified their operations to curb the growing issue of drug peddling in the region. This includes several high-profile arrests and seizures:
- April 2024: Authorities arrested a group of individuals involved in a large-scale synthetic drug distribution network, seizing over 1,000 kilograms of narcotics.
- June 2024: A major bust led to the arrest of a drug cartel operating within Hyderabad, resulting in the confiscation of various controlled substances and arresting key figures in the network.
- August 2024: An operation targeting international drug syndicates resulted in the arrest of several foreign nationals suspected of trafficking large quantities of heroin into the city.
To facilitate Nduka’s deportation, the HNEW coordinated with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Hyderabad. A movement restriction order was obtained to prevent his departure until the legal process was completed. Nduka was detained at a local center while an emergency travel document was secured from the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi.
An exit permit was issued by the FRRO Hyderabad, enabling Nduka’s deportation from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. This deportation underscores the commitment of Hyderabad’s law enforcement agencies to tackling drug-related crimes and maintaining stringent immigration control measures.
The action against Nduka and similar operations reflect the heightened vigilance and collaborative efforts by various authorities to combat the pervasive issue of drug trafficking and its impact on public safety and health in Hyderabad.
