ICE encounters Indian national in jail for trafficking $13M in drugs following Florida Highway Patrol arrest
Dipakkumar Ghelani is in local custody after overstaying his visa and will face immigration proceedings
DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. / April 27, 2026 — ICE encountered Dipakkumar Ghelani, an Indian national illegally present in the United States, at the Duval County Pre-Trial Detention Facility April 16. One of ICE’s 287(g) law enforcement partners, the Florida Highway Patrol, arrested Ghelani on a felony warrant for trafficking drugs with an estimated street value of over $13 million.
“Ghelani’s arrest shows how valuable our 287(g) partnerships are,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “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 money from selling drugs, being a fugitive from justice, and drug trafficking.”
Ghelani entered the United States on March 18, 2016, on a B-2 nonimmigrant visa valid until May 23, 2019. He overstayed his visa and, during an interview with a designated immigration officer, failed to provide documentation proving his legal presence in the United States.
ICE will make a custody determination following the resolution of Ghelani’s local and state charges.
You can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
Learn more about ICE’s public safety mission on X at @ICEgov.
Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)
