Three Nigerians Arrested in Bengaluru for Drug Peddling

The Bengaluru Police Central Crime Branch (CCB), through its Anti-Narcotics Wing, has arrested three Nigerian nationals for alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The operation, carried out late last week, led to the seizure of large quantities of banned substances including MDMA, hydro ganja, and ecstasy tablets.

According to reports from The Hindu and Times of India, the CCB team acted on a tip-off about an interstate drug syndicate supplying narcotics to Bengaluru’s growing student and IT workforce population. Raids were conducted in multiple areas of the city, including Rajanukunte and Hebbagodi, where the suspects were apprehended.

Police recovered 2.8 kilograms of MDMA in crystal and powder form, about 500 grams of hydro ganja, and 42 grams of ecstasy pills. Cash, mobile phones, and packaging materials were also seized. The estimated street value of the confiscated drugs runs into several crores of rupees.

Investigators revealed that the accused smuggled narcotics into Bengaluru from Delhi and Mumbai. To evade detection, the substances were often hidden inside couriered parcels, clothing, and personal belongings. Sales were conducted discreetly using encrypted messaging platforms, with deliveries arranged through drop locations to avoid direct handovers.

The clientele, police said, largely consisted of college students and IT employees in Bengaluru’s tech corridors.

Authorities further disclosed that the Nigerians had originally entered India on short-term visas, including medical and business categories, but had overstayed illegally. Two of them were reportedly repeat offenders, with links to earlier drug-related cases in Gujarat and probes by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

This case adds to a troubling pattern of Nigerians being arrested in India for narcotics offences. In August 2025, three Nigerians were arrested in Kozhikode, Kerala, in connection with a synthetic drug manufacturing racket traced to Gurugram, Haryana.

Police officials in Karnataka expressed concern that overstaying foreigners are increasingly becoming a part of local drug networks. The CCB has intensified surveillance and pledged closer coordination with immigration authorities to track visa violators.

A senior CCB officer, speaking to The Hindu, emphasized that Bengaluru’s cosmopolitan nature makes it a prime target for international drug syndicates.

“We are tightening our monitoring of overstaying foreign nationals. Drug peddlers prey on students and young professionals, and we will not allow Bengaluru to become a hub for narcotics,” the officer said.

The suspects remain in custody while further investigations continue.