Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Nov 8: In a major action against illegal foreign residents, the Hyderabad Narcotic Enforcement Wing (H-NEW), in coordination with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), has deported a Nigerian national who had been residing in India unlawfully for over a decade.

The accused, identified as 43-year-old Johnkennedy Chukwuemeka Okoro, hailing from Imo State, Nigeria, had entered India in 2012 on a business visa and later began living illegally after his documents expired. Police said Okoro, who used aliases such as ‘Hopy Cup’ and ‘Jeksa’, frequently moved between Bengaluru and Hyderabad to evade detection.

Acting on credible intelligence, H-NEW apprehended Okoro within the limits of the Asif Nagar Police Station. While no narcotics were seized during the arrest, police said he was suspected to be involved in drug smuggling activities — a source of “easy money” for him.

After verifying his identity and securing travel documents, H-NEW and the FRRO facilitated his deportation back to Nigeria. Officials termed the swift action as necessary to prevent activities “detrimental to national security.”

The case sheds light on a growing challenge for Telangana’s law enforcement — foreign nationals entering India legally but overstaying their visas and integrating into local drug networks.

Formed to combat the rising menace of drug trafficking in Hyderabad, H-NEW has been tracking such individuals, especially those involved in drug distribution targeting students and young professionals.

Police sources revealed that H-NEW has deported at least 22 foreign nationals since its formation, most of them this year, for overstaying and involvement in criminal activities.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain alert and report any drug-related or illegal foreign residency information to H-NEW’s helpline at 8712661601. Parents have also been advised to keep a close watch on their children’s activities to protect them from falling prey to substance abuse.