Major Drug Busts in Bengaluru Lead to Arrest of Two Foreign Nationals
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Bengaluru has apprehended two foreign nationals in separate operations, recovering drugs with a total estimated street value exceeding Rs 6.5 crore. The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the illicit drug trade in the city.
Nigerian National Arrested with Rs 5 Crore Worth of MDMA
CCB sleuths arrested a 36-year-old Nigerian national, identified as Ibrahim Bakayoku, on charges of drug peddling. During the operation, authorities recovered a substantial 5 kilograms of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, from his possession. The seized narcotics have an estimated market value of over Rs 5 crore, making this one of the larger hauls in recent months.
Police records reveal that Bakayoku is not a first-time offender. He was previously arrested by Himachal Pradesh police in 2019 on similar drug-related charges. More recently, in 2024, he faced arrest by the Marathahalli police in Bengaluru for comparable offenses, indicating a pattern of involvement in the drug trade.
Senegalese National Caught with Rs 1.5 Crore Worth of Multiple Drugs
In a parallel development, the CCB arrested another foreign national, Oc Okiol, a 30-year-old Senegalese citizen residing in the Huskur area of Bengaluru. Okiol was apprehended with a diverse array of illegal substances, including MDMA, cocaine, hydro ganja (a potent form of cannabis), LSD pills, and LSD strips.
The total value of the drugs recovered from Okiol is estimated at Rs 1.5 crore. Similar to Bakayoku, Okiol has a history with law enforcement, having been arrested in 2024 on drug-peddling charges, underscoring the recurring nature of such criminal activities among certain individuals.
Law Enforcement's Continued Vigilance
These arrests underscore the proactive measures being taken by Bengaluru police to dismantle drug networks operating within the city. The Central Crime Branch's operations target both local and international peddlers, aiming to curb the supply chain of illicit substances that pose significant risks to public health and safety.
Authorities have emphasized that such crackdowns will continue, with a focus on identifying and apprehending key players in the drug trade. The recovery of high-value narcotics in these cases demonstrates the scale of the issue and the determination of law enforcement to address it effectively.
Note: The investigations are ongoing, and further details may emerge as police delve deeper into the networks associated with the arrested individuals. The public is urged to report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking to assist in these efforts.
