Nigerian national deported from Hyderabad for overstaying, drug peddling links

The Hyderabad Narcotic Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) deported a 28-year-old Nigerian national, Onyeukwu Kelechi Victor, for overstaying in India and suspected drug peddling. Authorities said his visa expired in April 2024, and he was blacklisted from re-entering the country.

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Narcotic Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) on Wednesday deported a Nigerian national identified as Onyeukwu Kelechi Victor (28), to his home country on charges of overstaying in India and indulging in drug peddling activities considered a threat to national security.

According to the police, Victor, a native of Enugu State in Nigeria, had arrived in India in October, 2021, on a student visa to pursue a BCA course at a college in Bengaluru. However, he discontinued his studies due to financial issues and got involved with a Nigerian-based drug syndicate, reportedly supplying drugs in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on a commission basis.

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Police found that Victor’s visa had expired in April 2024, but he continued to stay in India illegally. Recently, while moving with a drug peddler in Banjara Hills, he was detained by the H-NEW personnel.

“Though no contraband was seized from him, he failed to produce valid documents for his stay. Following an inquiry, he admitted to overstaying in India. With assistance from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office officials, an exit permit was issued and he was blacklisted from re-entering India,” said Y.V.S. Sudheendra, DCP, H-NEW.

Since 2022, H-NEW deported 23 foreign nationals, including 15 Nigerians, three Sudanese, two Ivorians, one each Tanzanian and Moroccan, who were found overstaying and involved in drug trafficking. In 2025 alone, 11 foreigners, including eight Nigerians have been deported.

The H-NEW has also arrested 33 foreign nationals since 2022 for involvement in narcotics cases, of which 20 are Nigerians. Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any information related to drug abuse or peddling to H-NEW at 8712661601.