Indian-American hotelier Vikram Chatwal, arrested earlier this week at a Florida airport for allegedly carrying drugs, has been released on bond.
According to the TMZ website, the city-based millionaire hotel owner was arrested on April 2 at the Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood International Airport after transportation security administration (TSA) officials found drugs hidden in Chatwal’s luggage as he was about to board the flight.
A spokesperson at the Broward sheriff’s office in Florida said that Chatwal was released on April 3 on a bond of about $56,000.
When contacted, the Sant Chatwal-led Hampshire Hotels and Resorts said the company has “no comment on the issue at this time.”
According to the police report, 41-year-old Chatwal has been charged with one count of trafficking of drugs and seven counts of possession of cocaine, heroin and other drugs. The report said Chatwal was stopped by TSA’s behaviour detection officers at the Florida airport and a search of his carry-on bag revealed several different types of loose white pills that appeared to be controlled substances.
***
Pak travellers need sponsors
Namrata Biji Ahuja
New Delhi, April 5
All Pakistani citizens travelling to India will need a sponsor in the country as New Delhi has retained the sponsorship clause while rolling out the visa-on-arrival facility for senior citizens of that country from April 1.
The Union home ministry has made it clear that all visitors from Pakistan availing facilities under the new regime will need a local sponsor to be able to travel to India.