A representation 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, collectively valued at ₹28.75 crore, in separate incidents. Two foreign nationals were arrested.
Acting on specific intelligence, CCB officers raided a house in P&T Layout at Sampigehalli. They arrested Nancy Omary Lawa, 25, from Tanzania, for allegedly stocking MDMA for sale during the festive season.
She was booked under the NDPS Act.
The team seized 9 kg 254 g of MDMA crystals worth ₹18.5 crore, along with a mobile phone and other incriminating material.
According to officials, Lawa had arrived in Delhi in 2023 on a tourist visa. She later moved to Bengaluru where she worked as a hairstylist. A probe revealed that she sourced MDMA from Delhi and other locations, and sold it at higher rates 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 identified as Emmanuel Arinze, 28, while peddling drugs near the basketball court at Lalbagh South Gate.
The CCB officials seized 1 kg 115 g of MDMA crystals worth ₹2.25 crore from him.
A probe revealed that the accused had arrived in India in 2021 on a business visa. He had been arrested under the NDPS Act by Govindapura police in February 2024. He resumed drug peddling after his release from jail in April 2025.
He reportedly sourced MDMA from Delhi, Goa, and other foreign peddlers. Police are trying to track down his accomplice who is also a foreigner.
Customs tip-off leads to hydro ganja seizure at Foreign Post Office
In a third operation, based on a tip-off from Customs officials, the CCB Narcotics Wing seized 8 kg of hydro ganja worth ₹8 crore from parcels at the Foreign Post Office, Chamarajpet. The contraband had been systematically concealed in tea bags and shipped from foreign sources for delivery in Bengaluru.
A case has been registered and police are trying to track down the accused.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh appreciated the work of the CCB team and announced a cash prize of ₹50,000.
Published – December 03, 2025 03:16 pm IST
