2 foreign nationals involved in drug cases nabbed in Phagwara

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

The suspects — Kilekamajenga David Nteme (22) and Myonga Atka Haruna (21) — were apprehended in 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.

It was learnt that Mohammed Shameel was suspected of transferring a large sum of money to the 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.

Six members team of Kerala Police including Kunnamangalam Station House Officer S Kiran, Sub-Inspector Nidhin and three other civil police officers were part of the squad.

Senior Superintendent of the Police, Kapurthala, Gaurav Toora said the 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. They had bank transactions of over Rs 1.30 crore,” he said.