Drugs worth Rs 5.24 crore, 16 peddlers and 9 foreigners: Bengaluru police bust massive narcotics network

The operations led to the arrest of 16 accused, who were taken into custody during the early morning sweeps.

The Bengaluru police commissioner emphasised that the distribution network targeted college students and other vulnerable groups in the city. (Express photo)

“During interrogation, the accused confessed to procuring banned substances, including MDMA pills, MDMA crystals, ganja and hydro ganja, from interstate and international sources at low prices and selling them locally for higher profits,” he added.

The Bengaluru police commissioner emphasised that the distribution network targeted college students and other vulnerable groups in the city. “We are now working to trace the foreign and out‑of‑state suppliers who were allegedly providing these narcotics to the arrested peddlers,” he said.

Nine foreign nationals detained

In a related drive targeting illegal activities by overstaying foreigners, the City Crime Branch’s Narcotics Wing conducted operations in areas, including Banaswadi, Whitefield, Parappana Agrahara, and Madanayakanahalli.

Commissioner Singh said nine foreign nationals were detained during the special drive. “These individuals were found to be overstaying their visas and were allegedly involved in drug peddling,” he said.

“They have been handed over to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and lodged at a detention centre as per due process. Two of them have already been deported to their home countries,” he added.