Bengaluru: In a major anti-narcotics operation, Bengaluru Police‘s North Division has arrested eight individuals and busted an alleged interstate drug trafficking network, seizing narcotic substances worth approximately Rs 35 crore and impounding two vehicles used in the operation.
Police described the action as one of the largest drug seizures carried out by the city police in recent times. Officials said the operation involved coordinated efforts across multiple states and followed a detailed investigation that led authorities to several suspects and locations connected to the alleged network.
Among those arrested were Indian nationals and foreign nationals, with police indicating that six accused, including three foreign nationals, were arrested from Delhi, while two were local residents.
Investigation began after earlier drug case
According to Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, the case emerged following an intensive investigation linked to an earlier narcotics case in Yeshwanthpur in which nine individuals had been arrested.
Officials stated that information obtained during the earlier probe helped investigators identify a wider network allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities.
Police said the latest operation was conducted under the supervision of Joint Commissioner of Police (West) C. Vamsi Krishna.
Authorities indicated that the case reflected extensive coordination among investigating teams and involved several days of surveillance and follow-up action.
The investigation eventually led police to identify individuals allegedly involved in the procurement, transportation and distribution of narcotic substances across state boundaries.
Hebbal police receive tip-off
Police officials said the investigation gained momentum after personnel from Hebbal Police Station received information on May 11 regarding suspected narcotics activity near Anandnagar.
According to the information received, three individuals were reportedly present in a vehicle outside an apartment and were allegedly involved in the sale of prohibited narcotic substances.
Based on the intelligence input, a case was registered under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Investigators then conducted a raid at the specified location and detained three individuals, including a woman.
During questioning, police said two of the detained individuals allegedly stated that they had procured MDMA at lower prices from contacts in Delhi and later sold the substance at higher prices.
Large quantity of MDMA recovered
Following the initial raid, police recovered approximately 4.180 kg of MDMA along with a vehicle allegedly used in the offence.
Further interrogation of the accused reportedly led police to another location in Chikkanayakanahalli where additional narcotic substances had been stored.
On May 14, authorities carried out another operation and seized approximately 10.120 kg of MDMA from the location.
Police subsequently expanded the investigation beyond Karnataka and conducted operations in Haryana and Delhi, leading to the detention of additional suspects.
Authorities stated that among those arrested during subsequent operations were foreign nationals and individuals allegedly involved in supplying MDMA to the accused.
The arrested individuals were later brought to Bengaluru on transit remand for further questioning.
Additional arrests and seizures made
Police stated that continued interrogation of the accused led investigators to another suspect located in Hennur.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and, according to police, admitted involvement in the case during questioning.
Following the arrest, investigators recovered approximately 3.200 kg of MDMA from the accused person’s residence.
In total, authorities stated that around 17.5 kg of MDMA had been recovered during the operations.
Officials said the estimated value of the seized narcotics was approximately Rs 35 crore based on market assessments.
The seized drugs reportedly include MDMA valued at approximately Rs 17.50 crore, while police noted that the street value of the narcotics could be significantly higher.
Search continues for absconding suspects
Police said some individuals believed to be linked to the network remain absconding and efforts are continuing to trace and apprehend them.
Investigators are also examining the larger supply chain, financial transactions and interstate connections associated with the alleged drug trafficking operation.
Authorities stated that the case remains under investigation and additional developments may emerge as the inquiry progresses.
The latest operation highlights continuing efforts by law enforcement agencies to target organised narcotics networks and curb illegal drug circulation across states.