Mangaluru Police Bust Karnataka’s Largest Drug Network, Seize MDMA Worth ₹75 Crore

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 16, 2025: In a historic operation, Mangaluru police have dismantled Karnataka’s largest drug network, seizing 37.87 kg of MDMA valued at ₹75 crore.

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) police arrested two South African nationals in Bengaluru for allegedly distributing drugs across Karnataka and other states. The accused, identified as Bamba Fanta (31) and Abigail Adonis (30), were apprehended near Electronic City on March 14.

 

 

 

According to police sources, the breakthrough stems from a case in 2024, when a drug peddler, Haider Ali, was arrested at a lodge near Pumpwell in Mangaluru. Investigations led to the arrest of Peter Ikedi Belonwo, a Nigerian national, in Bengaluru, with 6.248 kg of MDMA recovered during the operation.

A six-month probe by the CCB uncovered a sprawling drug syndicate that used flights to transport MDMA from Delhi to Bengaluru and beyond.

In the latest operation, police seized 37.585 kg of MDMA, along with two trolley bags, ₹18,000 in cash, passports, and four mobile phones. The accused, who reportedly traveled using fake passports and visas, supplied drugs to Nigerian peddlers and various locations in Bengaluru.

Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal stated that the arrests mark a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking in the region.