DUVAL COUNTY, FL - An Indian immigrant who reportedly overstayed his visa is facing immigration proceedings that could see the man deported after he was arrested in Florida earlier in April on suspicion of drug trafficking with an estimated street value of $13 million.
According to local reports, Florida Highway Patrol arrested 34-year-old Dipakkumar Ghelani on charges of trafficking cannabis on April 16, with authorities estimating the street value of the seized narcotics to be roughly $13 million. While Ghelani will have to contend with the state charges associated with the criminal allegations, federal authorities are also involved in the matter due to the status of the accused’s visa.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons issued a statement shortly after Ghelani’s arrest, citing past criminal charges and convictions he’s faced while highlighting the accused’s presently unlawful status within the country.
“The Florida Highway Patrol has consistently proven to be a reliable partner in supporting ICE’s efforts to arrest potentially dangerous criminal illegal aliens like Ghelani, who’s been convicted of providing alcohol to a child and arrested for felony possession of drug money, being a fugitive from justice, and drug trafficking,” Director Lyons stated.
Ghelani had first entered the United States legally back in March of 2016 via a B-2 non-immigrant visa, which is specifically used for leisurely travel to the United States for purposes such as simple tourism, attending local events and shopping, and visiting family or seeking medical care. However, Ghelani’s visa had reportedly expired on May 23, 2019, with officials finding no evidence of him having renewed said visa.
Depending on the amount of cannabis seized by authorities during Ghelani’s arrest earlier in April, the suspect could face anywhere between 3 and 15 years behind bars if found guilty of trafficking. A press release from ICE regarding the matter noted the agency will address “a custody determination” following the conclusion of Ghelani’s state case. Ghelani’s next court appearance is slated for May 7.
According to local reports, Florida Highway Patrol arrested 34-year-old Dipakkumar Ghelani on charges of trafficking cannabis on April 16, with authorities estimating the street value of the seized narcotics to be roughly $13 million. While Ghelani will have to contend with the state charges associated with the criminal allegations, federal authorities are also involved in the matter due to the status of the accused’s visa.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons issued a statement shortly after Ghelani’s arrest, citing past criminal charges and convictions he’s faced while highlighting the accused’s presently unlawful status within the country.
“The Florida Highway Patrol has consistently proven to be a reliable partner in supporting ICE’s efforts to arrest potentially dangerous criminal illegal aliens like Ghelani, who’s been convicted of providing alcohol to a child and arrested for felony possession of drug money, being a fugitive from justice, and drug trafficking,” Director Lyons stated.
Ghelani had first entered the United States legally back in March of 2016 via a B-2 non-immigrant visa, which is specifically used for leisurely travel to the United States for purposes such as simple tourism, attending local events and shopping, and visiting family or seeking medical care. However, Ghelani’s visa had reportedly expired on May 23, 2019, with officials finding no evidence of him having renewed said visa.
Depending on the amount of cannabis seized by authorities during Ghelani’s arrest earlier in April, the suspect could face anywhere between 3 and 15 years behind bars if found guilty of trafficking. A press release from ICE regarding the matter noted the agency will address “a custody determination” following the conclusion of Ghelani’s state case. Ghelani’s next court appearance is slated for May 7.
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