Karnataka’s biggest drug bust: Rs 75 crore MDMA seized, two South Africans arrested

 Authorities discovered MDMA concealed in their trolley bags, alongside four mobile phones, passports, and Rs 18,000 in cash

PTI, 16.03.25 : Mangaluru Police seized over 37 kg of MDMA valued at Rs 75 crore, the biggest-ever drug haul in the state, a police official said on Sunday.

Two South African nationals were arrested in Bengaluru in connection with this case, the official said.

Addressing a press conference, Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal stated that the operation stemmed from an earlier arrest six months ago. In September, police apprehended one Haider Ali in Pumpwell, Mangaluru, and confiscated 15 grams of MDMA from him. Subsequent investigations led authorities to a Nigerian national named Peter, who was arrested in Bengaluru with MDMA worth Rs 6 crore.

Further probes pointed to an international drug network with links to traffickers using air routes between Delhi and Bengaluru, he said.

Acting on intelligence, the Mangaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) police arrested two South African nationals -- Bamba Fant (31) and Abigail Adonis (30)-- upon their arrival in Bengaluru on March 14. The suspects were taken into custody in Neeladri Nagar, Electronic City in Bengaluru, the senior police officer said.

Authorities discovered MDMA concealed in their trolley bags, alongside four mobile phones, passports, and Rs 18,000 in cash.

Police sources indicate that the arrested individuals were allegedly supplying drugs to Nigerian peddlers operating in Bengaluru and other regions. Additionally, they are suspected of using forged passports and visas for travel.

The investigation is ongoing to trace the larger network behind the illicit drug trade, officials said.

Mangalorean.com/ Mangaluru, March 16, 2025 : In a major crackdown against drug trafficking, the CCB Police have arrested two South African women involved in smuggling and supplying MDMA across India. This operation marks the largest drug seizure in Karnataka State Police history. The arrested have been identified as Bamba Fanta @ Adonis Jabulile (31) and Abigail Adonis (30) both from Agbovillae, South Africa, and currently residing in New Delhi.

Addressing the media, Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal said, “The accused were using the mode of operation to transport the drug through air transport from Delhi to Bengaluru for large-scale distribution. The CCB police have arrested the accused in Neeladri Nagar, Electronic City, Bengaluru. This is the largest drug seizure in the history of the Karnataka State Police.”

The police have seized four Mobile Phones, two Travel Bags, two Passports, Rs 18,460 in Cash, and other incriminating materials.

Initially, the Mangalore East Police arrested Haider @ Haider Ali for selling MDMA at a lodge near Pumpwell in 2024, and 15 grams of MDMA were seized. Further, the Mangalore CCB took over the case and traced the supply chain to Bengaluru. Nigerian national Peter Ikedi Belonwu was arrested, and 6.248 kg MDMA was seized.

Further investigations revealed that South African women were smuggling MDMA via air routes from Delhi to Bengaluru. Based on intelligence, Mangalore CCB officers arrested two South African women in Bengaluru. They were carrying 37.870 kg MDMA in two trolley bags.

Under the direction of Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal, IPS, and the able guidance of DCP (Law & Order) Siddharth Goyal, IPS, DCP (Crime & Traffic) K Ravishankar, KSPS and ACP (CCB Unit) Manoj Kumar Naik, the operation was carried out by the Inspectors Rafiq K.M., PSIs Sudeep M.V., Sharanappa Bhandari, Narendra, ASIs Mohan K.V, Ram Poojari, Sheenappa, Sujan Shetty, and other CCB Unit officers.

Mangalore City Police remain committed to making Mangalore a drug-free city and will continue stringent action against drug trafficking networks. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to drug sales and trafficking.