Mangaluru police have arrested two South African women, seizing ₨75 crore worth of MDMA. This represents the highest drug seizure value by Karnataka police to date. The women had been involved in a bi-weekly drug delivery operation from Delhi to Bengaluru and were tracked for six months before their arrest on March 14, 2025.
The Mangaluru police recently apprehended two South African women and seized 37.878 kg of MDMA, valued at ₹75 crore, reportedly transported from Delhi to Bengaluru. This narcotics seizure marks the highest value recorded by Karnataka police to date, as stated by Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal.
The arrested individuals are identified as Bamba Fanta alias Adonis Jabulile, 31, and Abigail Adonis alias Olijo Evans, 30. Their arrest was a consequence of ongoing investigations by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) into previous drug-related apprehensions. The investigation initially led to the arrest of a local alleged drug peddler, Hyder Ali, from whom 15g of MDMA was seized.
Further inquiries revealed connections to a Nigerian drug peddler, Peter Ikedi Belonwu, leading to the discovery that the South African women had been delivering MDMA on a bi-weekly basis. The CCB had been tracking their activities for six months.
On receiving information about their arrival on March 14, a CCB team was deployed at Bengaluru International Airport. The women landed around 12:30 a.m., subsequently booking a taxi for drug deliveries. After a surveillance period of nearly six hours, the police executed a raid in Neeladri Nagar, apprehending the suspects and confiscating various items including mobile phones, passports, and cash.
Investigations revealed that the women made multiple visits to Bengaluru and Mumbai over the past year for drug deliveries, raising concerns about their methods of evading airport security. Both women have been involved in drug distribution for 18 months and are suspected of utilizing fraudulent documentation.
Commissioner Agrawal acknowledged the diligent efforts of the CCB team, mentioning they would collaborate with the Narcotic Control Bureau for further investigations and intelligence gathering regarding the suspects and their network. Recognition for the team’s work will be forthcoming, as an award is to be announced by Home Minister G. Parameshwara soon.
The successful arrests of the two South African women involved in a major MDMA trafficking operation highlight the effective measures taken by the Mangaluru police. With substantial quantities of narcotics seized, authorities are investigating further networks potentially linked to international drug trafficking. The collaboration with the Narcotic Control Bureau signifies a committed pursuit against drug-related crimes, underscoring ongoing efforts to enhance airport security and prevent drug smuggling.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
