The Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) today arrested a Nigerian national living illegally in India and deported him to his home country after verifying that his visa and passport had expired.
The foreign national, identified as Johnkennedy Chukwuemeka Okoro, also known as Hopy Cup or Jeksa (43), a native of Imo State, Nigeria, had arrived in Mumbai on a business visa in 2012. Initially engaged in the garment business, he continued to stay in India even after his travel documents expired.
Police said that Okoro frequently travelled between Bengaluru and Hyderabad, and investigations revealed that he was involved in drug-peddling activities to earn quick money. He was apprehended while moving suspiciously within the Asif Nagar Police Station limits.
Though no drugs were found in his possession during the search, the H-NEW team verified his records with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and confirmed that he had been staying in India illegally for several years.
Officials said that his continued stay posed a threat to national security due to his alleged links with drug networks.
Following due procedure, H-NEW, in coordination with the FRRO, completed his deportation to Nigeria.
Since its inception, H-NEW has apprehended and deported 22 foreign nationals found residing illegally in India, including ten this year alone. The department coordinates closely with the FRRO to ensure strict enforcement of immigration laws and safeguard national security.