Mangaluru city police have made the largest drug bust in Karnataka’s history, seizing 37.87 kg of MDMA worth an estimated ₹75 crore and arresting two South African women in Bengaluru. The operation, which was carried out on Saturday marks a major breakthrough in the state’s fight against narcotics.
The arrested individuals, identified as Bamba Fanta (31), also known as Adonis Jabulile, and Abigail Adonis (30), were apprehended in Neeladri Nagar, located in the Electronic City area of Bengaluru.
According to police, the duo smuggled the high-value narcotics by air from Delhi to Bengaluru, intending to distribute them across India.
Investigators said that the two women had been residing in Nawada and Malviya Nagar in New Delhi before being caught. “They were found carrying the drugs in two trolley bags. Along with the narcotics, we also seized four mobile phones, two travel bags, two passports, and ₹18,460 in cash,” said an officer of Mangaluru city police.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah commended the Mangaluru police for their successful operation. Taking to social media platform X, he said, “The operation by Mangalore City Police, which led to the largest drug seizure in the state’s history and the arrest of two accused individuals, is commendable.”
The CM further emphasised the government’s commitment to eradicating drug networks and ensuring a safer environment for citizens. “From day one of our tenure, we have been firm in our resolve to create a drug-free society. This major bust is a crucial step in our war against drugs,” he wrote.
Breakthrough in a long-running investigation
The arrests are linked to an ongoing investigation that began last year when Mangaluru East police arrested an individual named Haider Ali for allegedly selling MDMA at a lodge near Pumpwell.
“At that time, 15 grams of the drug were seized from him. The case was later transferred to the Mangaluru city crime branch (CCB), which traced the supply chain to Bengaluru. Further investigations led to the arrest of a Nigerian national, Peter Ikedi Belonwu, from whom authorities confiscated an additional 6.248 kg of MDMA. Intelligence inputs later pointed towards the involvement of South African nationals, who were allegedly using air routes to transport MDMA from Delhi to Bengaluru,” said another police officer of the CCB.
Under the leadership of Mangaluru police commissioner Anupam Agarwal, a coordinated operation was launched, culminating in the arrest of the two women. Officials believe the bust has disrupted a major drug network operating in the state and beyond.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to trace the larger syndicate behind the drug trafficking network.
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