In three separate operations, the Bengaluru City Police have arrested six drug peddlers and seized drugs worth ₹5.2 crore. The operations were carried out by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) and the Sanjaynagar police as part of an intensified drive ahead of New Year celebrations.
The accused have been identified as Mohammad Mustafa, Karthik S., Suraj Kumar Singh, and Anumodh K.. Two foreign nationals were also arrested: Obiejesi Chigozie Davi, and Sani Sadiq, both residing in Marenahalli near Bagalur in northeast Bengaluru.
The police seized 1.1 kg of MDMA crystals and 3.5 kg of hydroganja during operations conducted in Bagalur, Ashoknagar, and Sanjaynagar. Mustafa was arrested in Ashoknagar, while the remaining three were arrested in Sanjaynagar. The two foreign nationals, who arrived in India on student visas, were apprehended in Bagalur, according to the police.
Investigation has revealed that Chigozie and Sadiq had initially arrived in Uttar Pradesh on student visas. They later moved to Bengaluru and rented accommodation in Bagalur. They reportedly purchased MDMA crystals at low prices from Delhi and other regions and sold them at higher rates to known customers in the city.
Mustafa told the police that he used to purchase hydroganja from Kerala at low rates and sell it at a higher price in Bengaluru. The trio arrested from Sanjaynagar also said they sourced hydroganja from friends in Kerala.
The smuggling of hydroganja into the city from foreign countries has also surged in the past two months as Customs at Kempegowda International Airport has intensified its crackdown on smugglers. The police attribute the spike to the city’s growing customer base, leading to an active drive against both peddlers and consumers.
Earlier, the Bengaluru police treated consumers as victims of drug abuse and refrained from arresting them. However, following strict instructions from Home Minister G. Parameshwara, the city police have resumed booking cases against consumers.
Published – December 10, 2025 08:23 pm IST
