Israeli National Arrested in Goa for Overstaying Visa

An Israeli national, identified as 51-year-old David Driham, was arrested in Anjuna, Goa, India, for being in the country without valid travel documents. Known locally as David and nicknamed "Dudu," Driham was reportedly unable to present his passport during a police check and has been transferred to a detention center in Mapusa. Authorities stated the arrest is related to his immigration status, not a new drug case. However, Driham is already facing separate charges in a previous cocaine case. He was initially arrested in June 2025 after allegedly possessing approximately 11.2 grams of cocaine in Anjuna. Released on bail the next day, his release in July 2025 came with restrictions, including surrendering his passport, a ban on leaving India without permission, and mandatory court appearances. No conviction has been publicly announced in that case.

Driham's name is not new to Indian justice. In 2010, he was arrested in Goa in a major drug case involving alleged discoveries of ecstasy, heroin, cocaine, LSD, and cannabis. That investigation took a dramatic turn when police officers were suspected of planting the drugs to incriminate him. Charges against Driham were eventually dropped in 2023, while the accused officers were brought to justice.