The Police in Bengaluru, India have arrested three Nigerian nationals and seized a large quantity of synthetic narcotics and hydroponic cannabis, estimated to be worth over Rs 4 crore (about N801,824,376.57 in the Nigeriaan currency).

The arrests were made near Kempegowda International Airport following intelligence-led surveillance.

According to Bengaluru Rural Superintendent of Police, C.K. Baba, the suspects had entered India on medical visas through Delhi in December 2024 and later relocated to Bengaluru, where they were allegedly operating.

“Based on credible intelligence and surveillance of suspect movements, our team identified suspicious activity involving the movement of foreign nationals,” Baba told journalists on Monday.

A search conducted at their residence in the Rajanukunte area led to the recovery of 2.8 kilograms of MDMA crystals, nearly 400 kilograms of hydro ganja, over Rs 2 lakh in cash, seven mobile phones, packaging materials, and a weighing machine.

Police said the drugs were concealed in cardboard sheets typically used for packing clothes and transported discreetly.

The three suspects have been booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Authorities also confirmed that the individuals had overstayed their visas.

“The investigation is ongoing to trace the wider network and supply chain. There appears to be a larger network behind this operation. Our team will probe further to establish the source of the drugs, the modus operandi, and intended supply destinations,” Baba added.