African drug dealers jump bail

Hyderabad: Most Africans caught in drug cases are escaping trial by jumping bail. The main two accused, who were caught in the recent drug bust, were arrested by the CCS and Banjara Hills police last year. But they came out on bail, avoided the police and continued drug peddling. Police say it’s difficult to track them since they are temporary residents in the city and keep moving between major cities.

The gang’s kingpin Rotimi Olusola Kehinde, 29, who is a native of the Ipaja Lagos state of Nigeria, was arrested by the CCS in a drug case. “He came out on bail after four months. Initially he attended court but he suddenly disappeared. He changed house and escaped,” said a CCS official. Rotimi travelled to Mumbai and Goa to get narcotic drugs and continued to sell them.

Another person arrested by Jubilee Hills police, Uzor Promise Chukwudi, was in the custody of Banjara Hills police a year ago. After he came out on bail he disappeared. “His house was at Tolichowki. He later moved to some other place in the city. Our men lodt track of him,” said a cop.

The execution of NBWs against foreigners is difficult as they again have to chase the suspect again. “In case of criminals from our city it’s not difficult to track them even if they go absconding after bail as we know their permanent address and other particulars. However, the case of foreigners is different as they can leave the city anytime," said a police official.

In order to keep them inside prison West Zone police plans to use the PD Act against them. "We are planning to use the PD Act against repeat offenders. We also want to look into deportation,” said DCP A. Venkateswara Rao.

However, since deportation is linked to the relationship between Nigeria and India the authorities are going slow on the issue. Police leave the decision to the Centre and the Nigerian embassy.