Karnataka's Largest Drug Bust: 37.87 kg of MDMA Worth ₹75 Crore Seized, Two South African Women Arrested

In a landmark operation, Karnataka State Police have executed the state's largest drug seizure to date, confiscating 37.87 kilograms of MDMA valued at ₹75 crore. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Mangaluru City Police apprehended two South African nationals, Bamba Fanta (31) and Abigail Adonis (30), in connection with the case. The duo was arrested near Neeladri Nagar, Electronic City, Bengaluru, while allegedly transporting the narcotics from Delhi to Bengaluru by flight. The operation also led to the recovery of four mobile phones, two trolley bags, passports, ₹18,460 in cash, and other incriminating items.

This significant breakthrough stems from a six-month investigation initiated after the arrest of Haider Ali in Mangaluru, who was found in possession of 15 grams of MDMA. Subsequent probes led to the apprehension of Nigerian national Peter Ikedi Belonwu in Bengaluru, from whom 6.248 kilograms of MDMA were seized. Further investigations uncovered an international drug trafficking network operating through air routes between Delhi and Bengaluru. The arrested South African women are suspected of supplying MDMA to Nigerian nationals and others in areas including Nelamangala, Hosakote, and KR Puram. Authorities also discovered that the accused were using fake passports and visas, leading lavish lifestyles funded by their illicit activities. Efforts are ongoing to trace the broader network and determine the source of the MDMA, whether domestically procured or trafficked from abroad.