A 44-year-old Nigerian national, Samuel Ikenna, has been arrested in Bengaluru over his alleged involvement in a large-scale drug distribution operation.
The arrest, carried out by the Yelahanka police, is part of an ongoing crackdown on narcotics networks targeting students and residents across the city.
Authorities say the suspect operated under the cover of a clothing business while allegedly running an MDMA (ecstasy) supply chain. MDMA is a psychoactive substance commonly used recreationally and classified as an illegal drug in many countries.
Investigators revealed that Ikenna allegedly sourced the drug near Bannerghatta at relatively lower prices before redistributing it through an organized network at significantly higher rates.
He is said to have entered India in 2012 on a business visa, initially trading in garments in Delhi and Mumbai before relocating to Bengaluru in 2025.
During the operation, police recovered about 2 kilograms of MDMA crystals valued at approximately Rs 2 crore (over N140 million). Additional seizures included 31.396 kilograms of cannabis, 220 grams of hydroponic cannabis, some quantity of heroin, and a motorcycle reportedly used for distribution.
According to Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, the total value of the seized drugs is estimated at Rs 2.57 crore (around N180 million), with a possible street value of up to Rs 5.14 crore (about N360 million).
The arrest is part of a broader operation that led to 11 suspects being taken into custody, including foreigners and local residents, across several parts of Bengaluru such as Yelahanka, Adugodi, Bharathinagar, Jalahalli, and Pulakeshinagar.
In a related development, police in Adugodi arrested two other suspects an Indian national and a Nepalese national for allegedly supplying heroin. Authorities recovered 162 grams of heroin and three mobile phones from them.
Police say the suspects sourced drugs from both international and interstate suppliers before selling them at inflated prices. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the key figures behind the network.