Nigerian Man Arrested in Bengaluru for Drug Trafficking in N1.2 Crore Narcotics Bust

A Nigerian man identified as Chukuwuma has been arrested by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The arrest took place during a well-coordinated raid in the Avalahalli area of northern Bengaluru, where the suspect was reportedly attempting to distribute a large quantity of illegal narcotics.

The Narcotics Wing of the CCB seized a significant stash of drugs during the operation, including MDMA tablets and crystal substances, with an estimated street value of over N1.2 crore (approximately $144,000). The operation marks one of the city’s largest drug busts in recent months and adds to growing concerns over international drug networks operating in Indian cities.

Nigerian Suspect Linked to International Drug Syndicate

According to early findings from the Nigerian investigation, Chukuwuma is not a newcomer to the narcotics trade. Authorities revealed that the Nigerian national has been active in drug peddling since as early as 2013. During that time, he reportedly built connections with drug suppliers overseas, facilitating the importation of illegal substances into India.

Nigerian Police allege that Chukuwuma had long been operating on the outskirts of Bengaluru, quietly building a network of distributors and clients. His arrest follows weeks of intense surveillance by the CCB’s Narcotics Wing, which had been monitoring his movements and communications as part of an ongoing operation to dismantle international drug rings.

The CCB confirmed that Chukuwuma is connected to a larger international drug syndicate, suspected to be smuggling synthetic drugs into the country through various clandestine channels. Authorities are now working to trace the origin of the seized narcotics and to uncover the full scope of the network.

The successful raid was the result of a carefully planned and swiftly executed operation led by Bengaluru’s Central Crime Branch. The Nigerian police acted on credible intelligence and apprehended Chukuwuma before he could distribute the narcotics in the Avalahalli neighborhood—a location identified as a key point in his distribution chain.

During the raid, the officers confiscated a sizeable quantity of MDMA (commonly referred to as ecstasy) and crystal methamphetamine. Both substances are classified as illegal narcotics under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and are known to be in high demand on the illicit party drug scene.

“We had credible information regarding a foreign national who was regularly supplying synthetic drugs to local dealers. Surveillance and technical tracking led us to the suspect,” said a senior officer from the CCB.

Following his arrest, the Nigerian suspect was taken into custody and is currently being interrogated by police. Investigators hope to extract vital information from him regarding other members of the drug syndicate, both in India and abroad.

“We are working on identifying his associates and the routes used to smuggle the drugs into the country,” the officer added. “This arrest is only the beginning. We believe there are multiple layers to this network, and we are determined to uncover them.”

Officials stated that further arrests are likely in the coming days as the investigation expands. Forensic testing is also being conducted on the seized substances to confirm their composition and purity.

The arrest of Chukuwuma has once again raised concerns about the role of foreign nationals, particularly from West Africa, in India’s growing drug problem. Over the past few years, Indian law enforcement agencies have uncovered several cases involving Nigerian nationals linked to drug trafficking, especially in metro cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.

Experts note that international drug cartels often exploit legal loopholes, overstayed visas, and weak monitoring systems to establish drug networks across India. Bengaluru, known for its vibrant nightlife and growing population of students and professionals, has emerged as a hotspot for such activity.

Authorities are calling for stronger immigration control, enhanced surveillance, and better coordination with foreign embassies to prevent repeat offenses and track syndicate operations at the global level.

In response to the arrest, local community leaders have urged the government to implement stricter measures to prevent international drug trafficking. “We support international students and professionals coming to India for legitimate purposes. But those who misuse their stay to engage in criminal activity must be held accountable,” said a spokesperson from a civic group in Bengaluru.

As Chukuwuma remains in custody, more details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks. The Bengaluru Police, meanwhile, have vowed to continue their crackdown on drug networks and ensure that the city remains safe and drug-free.

Source-Punch