Mangaluru Police Seize Record 37.87 kg of MDMA Worth Rs 75 Crore; Two South African Women Arrested  

Mangaluru Police have achieved a historic breakthrough by seizing 37.87 kg of MDMA, valued at approximately Rs 75 crore. This marks the largest drug bust in Karnataka’s police history. Authorities apprehended two South African women linked to an international narcotics syndicate, as confirmed by officials on Sunday, March 16.

Major Drug Crackdown

Addressing the media, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal detailed the operation, highlighting the intensified efforts to curb drug trafficking in the city. The crackdown is part of a broader campaign to establish Mangaluru as a "Drugs-Free City."

The investigation originated from an earlier drug-related case at Mangaluru East Police Station. In 2024, authorities arrested an individual named Haider, alias Haider Ali, at a lodge near Pumpwell for drug possession and distribution. At that time, 15 grams of MDMA were confiscated. As the probe deepened, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) police took charge and unraveled an extensive drug network.

Further inquiries led to the arrest of Nigerian national Peter Ikedi Belonwu in Bengaluru, a key supplier to Haider Ali. The authorities seized 6.248 kg of MDMA from him. Determined to dismantle the network, the CCB police pursued higher-level operatives for six months. Their efforts uncovered crucial intelligence regarding large-scale MDMA shipments transported by air from Delhi to Bengaluru by foreign nationals.

On March 14, 2025, the CCB unit received a critical tip-off about two South African women transporting a massive drug consignment from Delhi to Bengaluru via flight. Acting swiftly, officers were deployed to Bengaluru, where they intercepted and arrested the suspects in Neeladri Nagar, near Electronic City.

The detained individuals were identified as Bamba Fanta, alias Adonis Jabulile (31), from Agbovillae, South Africa, residing in Vipin Garden, New Delhi, and Abigail Adonis (30), from Pretoria, South Africa, living in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi.

During the arrest, officers recovered two trolley bags filled with 37.878 kg of MDMA, along with four mobile phones, two passports, Rs 18,460 in cash, and other valuables. The accused had been using commercial flights to smuggle MDMA from Delhi to Bengaluru, distributing it to Nigerian nationals and other dealers while leading an extravagant lifestyle with their illicit earnings.