In one of the most significant enforcement actions of its kind, the Cyberabad police have successfully deported 72 foreign nationals, predominantly from African nations, for their suspected involvement in drug-related activities. This marks what officials believe to be the highest number of deportations executed by a single police commissionerate in India within a six-month period in 2025, as part of a concerted drive against narcotics and human trafficking.
Unprecedented Scale of the Operation
The scale of this crackdown becomes evident when compared to the previous year. In 2024, the authorities deported 40 foreign nationals. The sharp increase to 72 in just the first half of 2025 underscores the intensified focus and coordinated efforts between the Cyberabad police and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Hyderabad. Over the past six months, these agencies worked in tandem, sharing crucial intelligence to pinpoint foreigners who were not only overstaying their visas but were also actively engaged in drug peddling.
Under the directives of Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty, regular drives were systematically conducted in identified clusters and pockets known for illicit activities. Key areas of focus included Attapur, Rajendranagar, and locations bordering Langar Houz. The police strategy involved meticulous surveillance and targeted raids to dismantle the operations of these networks.
Nexus of Crime and Overstaying
A senior Cyberabad police officer revealed that a majority of the deported individuals were directly involved in drug peddling. "Most of the overstaying foreigners were found to be involved in some nefarious activities," the officer stated. The procedural approach involved moving these criminal elements to a detention centre following their arrest.
The officer further explained that life in detention, with its restrictions on movement and other freedoms, often led the detainees themselves to insist on deportation to their home countries. This was a stark contrast to the liberty they experienced while evading the law.
Broader Network and Human Trafficking Angle
The operation uncovered a darker layer beyond drug crimes. In a major joint raid in August 2025, teams from the FRRO and Cyberabad police stormed a farmhouse in Moinabad, leading to the detention of 51 African nationals. Investigations revealed that several foreigners rescued during these coordinated efforts were also victims of human trafficking.
These individuals, hailing from Bangladesh and various African countries, had been forced into prostitution, highlighting the interlinked nature of organized crime. In a separate but related action, the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing deported 11 foreign drug peddlers in 2025, which included eight Nigerians, two Sudanese, and one Tanzanian national.
This crackdown follows a strategic policy decision taken in June 2025 by Telangana's top police leadership, including officials from the Telangana Anti Narcotics Bureau. The policy mandates the deportation of foreign nationals found to be involved in drug networks within the state, signaling a zero-tolerance approach.
The unprecedented scale of these deportations sends a strong message about the commitment of Hyderabad's law enforcement to cleanse the city of international drug syndicates and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
