In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Hyderabad-Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) apprehended two Nigerian nationals in the Tolichowki area on Friday. The arrests led to the seizure of approximately 150 grams of the party drug MDMA.
Repeat Offender with Fraudulent Indian Identity
Deputy Commissioner of Police (H-NEW) Vaibhav Gaikwad identified the accused as Chidi Ezeh (42) and Obasi James Victor (38). The duo was intercepted after arriving in Hyderabad from Delhi. Investigations revealed a shocking detail: Chidi Ezeh, a repeat offender, had been residing in India illegally by masquerading as an Indian citizen.
Chidi first entered India in 2014 on a medical attendant visa, which expired that same year. His illicit activities came to light earlier in 2019 when the excise & prohibition department caught him with 130 grams of cocaine and 32 grams of MDMA. After securing bail in that case, he shifted his base to Delhi and continued operations.
Fake Documents and Pending Warrants
Using fraudulent methods, Chidi acquired multiple Indian identity documents. He obtained an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and driving licence under the fake name Nageshwaran s/o Swamy Nathan. The police are investigating whether he procured these illegally through agencies or created counterfeit copies by manipulating genuine documents.
Chidi is a known repeat offender with three prior cases registered against him in Telangana and Goa. Non-bailable warrants were pending against him due to his consistent failure to appear in court for previous proceedings.
Drug Network and Legal Consequences
According to the DCP, Chidi and his associates were sourcing the narcotics from a contact named Chris, another Nigerian national based in Delhi. This points to a wider inter-state drug network being operated by foreign nationals.
The legal paths for the two accused will differ. Since Obasi James Victor was caught for the first time, he is slated for deportation with assistance from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Chidi Ezeh, however, has been taken into custody and will face the Indian judicial system for his multiple alleged crimes, including drug peddling and identity fraud.
This arrest underscores the ongoing challenges authorities face with foreign nationals overstaying visas and engaging in organized drug trade using fake identities. The Hyderabad police's action highlights their vigilance in tackling such transnational narcotics networks.
