Hyderabad: EAGLE arrests two African women couriers of Mumbai-based Nigerian drug cartel

Hyderabad: EAGLE Force of Telangana Police arrested two African women who were acting as couriers for a Nigerian drug cartel operating from Mumbai.

EAGLE seized cocaine and MDMA from their possession.

In a separate operation, the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) deported a foreign national for visa overstay and drug-related associations, reinforcing the city’s zero-tolerance approach to narcotics.

Drugs sourced from Mumbai, cartel link uncovered

During further investigation in Crime No. 325/2025 of Masab Tank Police Station, earlier involving the arrest of two local drug peddlers and seizure of 43 grams of cocaine and 11.5 grams of MDMA, police traced the supply chain to Mumbai.

Investigators found that the contraband was transported from Mumbai to Hyderabad by two women couriers allegedly operating for a Nigerian drug cartel based in Nalasopara, Mumbai.

EAGLE force tracks and apprehends carriers

Acting on leads, EAGLE Force Telangana tracked the couriers after they returned to Mumbai and apprehended them. As the drugs had already been delivered before interception, the police initiated movement restriction orders and deportation proceedings as per the law.

Accused details

Cathy Hanchabila, aka Emily (28), Resident of Borivali, Mumbai; Nationality: Malawi, and Ellena Kasakatira (48), Resident of Borivali, Mumbai; Nationality: Senegal.

Seized Property:

The EAGLE force seized 43 grams of cocaine and 11.5 grams of MDMA from the possession of the accused.

H-NEW deports Visa overstayer linked to drug peddlers

In a parallel operation, Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing apprehended Juliana Victor Nabitaka (27), a Ugandan national, within Tolichowki Police Station limits.

She had entered India on February 12, 2024, on a tourist visa that expired on January 18, 2025, after which she allegedly overstayed illegally and associated with drug peddlers in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Unable to produce valid documents, she was processed as per procedure. With assistance from the FRRO Hyderabad, authorities secured an exit permit, blacklisted her from re-entering India, and deported her to the Republic of Uganda from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

Public Appeal

H-NEW urged citizens to stay away from drugs and share information on drug abuse to help achieve a drug-free Hyderabad. Helpline: 8712661601.