Two Tanzanians held in cases of drug trafficking

A special team of the Kunnamangalam (Kerala) police on Friday raided and arrested two Tanzanian nationals who were allegedly involved in a series of inter-state synthetic drug trafficking cases.

The suspects — Kilekamajenga David Nteme (22) and Myonga Atka Haruna (21) — were apprehended from Phagwara following a tip-off from three youths who were earlier arrested in connection with a major drug trafficking case. Police sources said the two were pursuing various professional graduation courses at a private university in Phagwara.

The reports received on Saturday night said the special squad, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police A Umesh, identified the two based on bank transaction details collected from various locations.

“Ibrahim Muzamil (27), Abhinav (24) and Mohammed Shameel (26) were initially arrested by the Kerala police in connection with a major drug trafficking case. The special squad came across details of the two Tanzanian nationals while collecting evidence from Bengaluru,” the reports said.

It was learnt that Shameel was suspected of transferring a large sum of money to Tanzanian citizens’ accounts for drug deals. The special squad camped in Phagwara for a couple of days to track the suspects’ location. The two were reportedly staying as paying guests at a house near the university.

A six-member team of Kerala police, including Kunnamangalam Station House Officer S Kiran and Sub-Inspector Nidhin, and three other civil police officers were part of the special squad formed under Deputy Commissioner of Police Arun K Pavithran for the investigation.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Kapurthala, Gaurav Toora said the special team of Kerala police coordinated with the local police to conduct raid at a rented accommodation, following which two foreign nationals were arrested.

The accused were wanted in a drug-related case registered in January this year. “The accused have transactions of more than Rs 1.30 crore in their bank accounts,” he said.