In the largest-ever haul, the Anti-Narcotics Wing of the Bengaluru Police in India has seized 16 kilograms of MDMA and 500 grams of cocaine worth Rs 21 crore from a Nigerian national.
The 44-year-old Nigerian identified as Leonard Okwudili, was arrested at Ramamurthy Nagar area of Bengaluru on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.
According to the police, the drugs were meant to be distributed at rave parties ahead of the New Year celebrations in the city.
It was gathered that the Nigerian had come to India on a business visa a year ago and has been living in a rented house in Ramamurthy Nagar.
Ahead of the New Year, he had collected the drugs from foreign nationals residing in Delhi, Mumbai and other cities.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused had hidden the drugs under clothes, bed sheets and inside soap and chocolate boxes at his home.
He intended to sell the drugs at parties to college students and IT/BT employees at higher prices during the upcoming New Year celebrations.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner, B Dayananda said a team of CCB police, acting on information, conducted a raid in the area of Ramamurthy Nagar police station and arrested the accused.
"The CCB police seized 16 kg MDMA in the form of crystals and powder which costs up to Rs 16 crore. 500 grams of cocaine worth Rs 5 crore has been seized. This is the highest ever drug haul seized in the history of Bengaluru Police," he stated.
"The African national hid a variety of drugs in soap boxes, bedsheet covers, and chocolate boxes in his house. He used to sell these drugs without any suspicion. We are trying to find out how he procured the drugs and how he sold them,"
The police have now launched an investigation into the matter and are interrogating the suspect.
They are also probing if Okwudili had any cases in other states in India.
The owner of the house rented to him has also been questioned.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered against the accused under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Foreigners Act at Ramamurthy Nagar Police Station.
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