Bengaluru’s Big Drug Crackdown: ₹130 Crore Worth Narcotics Seized in 10 Months

Bengaluru l Nov 26 :

In a continued offensive against narcotics smuggling in Bengaluru, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) has seized drugs worth nearly ₹130 crore in the past 10 months. The latest major haul came after officers raided the house of a Nigerian national in Bagaluru, recovering synthetic drugs valued at around ₹23.74 crore.

The raid was led by Raja Imam Kasim (DCP Crime), HK Mahananda ACP and their team of CCB officers. 

During the operation, CCB seized 11.64 kg of MDMA crystals, 1,040 ecstasy pills, and over 2.23 kg of raw materials used for drug production. Investigators suspect that the contraband was accumulated to fuel high-demand New Year party markets in the city.

The accused, identified as N Ejike Nzegwu (42), allegedly operated a network supplying party drugs to traffickers from African nations. Officials said he sourced narcotics from Delhi and other northern cities. He also reportedly procured bank accounts of African nationals leaving India after visa expiry, paying ₹25,000 for each, and used them as mule accounts to route drug money.

Nzegwu, who entered India in 2017, remained illegally in the country after overstaying his visa. He has multiple previous cases under the NDPS and Foreigners Acts, and was arrested earlier in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Andhra Pradesh before returning to the city in 2024. His wife was also detained earlier for overstaying, while their three children are currently in Nigeria.

Authorities have recommended action against the Bagaluru house owner for alleged violations in renting to a foreign national without required documentation.

With nearly ₹130 crore worth of narcotics taken off the streets this year, the CCB says it has intensified surveillance and targeted raids to dismantle international drug networks exploiting Bengaluru’s expanding nightlife and metropolitan crowd, especially ahead of New Year festivities.