Representative image of ganja (marijuana). | Photo credit: NAGARA GOPAL
In a major crackdown ahead of New Year celebrations in Bengaluru, the anti-narcotics wing of the Central Crime Branch seized over 10.36 kg of MDMA crystals and 8 kg of hydro ganja with a combined value of ₹ 28.75 crore, in separate incidents. Two foreign nationals were arrested.
Acting on specific information, CCB officers raided a house at P&T Layout in Sampigehalli. They arrested Nancy Omary Lawa, 25, from Tanzania for allegedly storing MDMA for sale during the festive period.
It was booked under the NDPS Act.
The team seized 9 kg 254 g of MDMA crystals worth ₹18.5 million along with a mobile phone and other incriminating material.
According to officials, Law arrived in Delhi in 2023 on a tourist visa. She later moved to Bengaluru where she worked as a hairdresser. Investigation revealed that she was procuring MDMA from Delhi and other places and selling it at higher prices to known customers in Bengaluru.
Another foreign national held near Lalbagh
In a separate operation under Siddapura police station limits, CCB officers arrested a Nigerian man identified as Emmanuel Arinze (28) while he was selling drugs near the basketball court at Lalbagh South Gate.
CCB officials seized 1 kg 115 g of MDMA crystals worth ₹ 2.25 crore from him.
Investigation revealed that the accused had come to India in 2021 on a business visa. In February 2024, he was arrested by the Govindapura police under the NDPS Act. After his release from prison in April 2025, he resumed selling drugs.
He allegedly sourced MDMA from Delhi, Goa and other foreign dealers. The police are trying to track down his accomplice, who is also a foreigner.
A customs notification leads to the seizure of hydroganj at the foreign post office
In a third operation, acting on a tip-off from customs officials, the CCB Narcotics Wing seized 8 kg of hydroganj worth ₹ 8 crore from parcels at a foreign post office in Chamarajpet. The contraband was systematically concealed in tea bags and dispatched from foreign sources for delivery to Bengaluru.
A case has been registered and the police are trying to trace the accused.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh appreciated the work of the CCB team and announced a cash reward of ₹50,000.
Published – 03 Dec 2025 15:16 IST
