Key Points:
- Largest-ever drug seizure in Karnataka: 37 kg MDMA worth ₹75 crore seized.
- Two Nigerian women arrested at Bengaluru airport; drugs concealed in trolley bags.
- Accused traveled extensively between Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru for drug trafficking.
- Investigation reveals links to wider international drug syndicate; further probe underway.
Bengaluru: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Karnataka Police arrested two Nigerian women at Bengaluru airport on Sunday, seizing over 37 kilograms of MDMA valued at approximately ₹75 crore the largest-ever drug haul in the state’s history. The accused have been identified as Bamba Fanta (31) and Abigail Adonis (30), both residing in Delhi and actively involved in smuggling narcotics across India.
The dramatic arrests occurred shortly after the duo arrived from Delhi carrying the illicit substances concealed inside their trolley bags. Police also confiscated four mobile phones, passports, and ₹18,000 cash from their possession.
According to Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal, this record-breaking seizure followed a meticulous six-month investigation that began with the arrest of a local drug dealer named Haider Ali in Pumpwell, Mangaluru. Ali was caught with 15 grams of MDMA, prompting authorities to dig deeper into the supply chain.
Further probing led investigators to another Nigerian national named Peter, who was apprehended in Bengaluru with six kilograms of MDMA valued at ₹6 crore. Peter’s interrogation revealed critical information about a larger international drug network operating across multiple Indian cities.
Police identified the two arrested women as Bamba Fanta (31) and Abigail Adonis (30). Both had established bases in Delhi and frequently traveled via air routes to distribute drugs across major cities. Investigations revealed that within just one year, they had made 37 trips to Mumbai and 22 trips to Bengaluru alone.
Further details emerged indicating that Bamba Fanta entered India on a business visa in 2020, while Abigail Adonis had been residing here since 2016 on a medical visa. Both suspects reportedly earned substantial profits from their illicit activities and maintained active connections with other Nigerian drug peddlers operating within India.
Commissioner Agrawal stated that authorities are now thoroughly investigating other possible links within this expansive drug cartel. Police suspect the accused may have used forged passports and visas for their frequent travels. Efforts are ongoing to trace the origin of the seized MDMA whether sourced domestically or trafficked internationally into India.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah praised the police operation, calling it “commendable” and highlighting its importance in safeguarding youth from the menace of drugs. “By seizing 37 kg of MDMA worth over ₹75 crore, our police have prevented severe harm to thousands of young lives,” he said.
The arrest marks Karnataka’s biggest-ever drug bust and underscores growing concerns about international drug mafias attempting to infiltrate Indian markets through sophisticated smuggling networks. Police have vowed strict legal action against those involved while intensifying efforts to dismantle the entire illicit supply chain operating within the country.
