Police in Bengaluru have intensified investigations into suspected international drug trafficking operations following the arrest of a Nigerian national allegedly caught with illicit substances valued at over ₹1.2 crore, approximately N214,523,347.80.

According to India Today, the Central Crime Branch’s Narcotics Wing apprehended the suspect, identified simply as Chikuwuma, in the Avalahalli area during a targeted raid.

Quoting officials, the online medium reported that Chikuwuma was caught in the act of attempting to sell synthetic drugs, including MDMA and crystal-based narcotics.

Police say Chikuwuma has been under surveillance for several weeks and is believed to have been active in the drug trade since at least 2013. Early findings suggest he may be operating as part of a larger international syndicate, with distribution networks across Bengaluru and possibly beyond.

The seized drugs were contained in multiple small packets, prepared for street-level distribution. Investigators believe the suspect was receiving supplies from outside India, though they have yet to confirm specific routes or suppliers.

Chikuwuma is currently in police custody as authorities work to identify other individuals connected to the operation. Officials say the investigation is ongoing and could lead to further arrests, especially if links to international trafficking rings are confirmed.

This arrest follows a series of similar incidents involving African nationals in Bengaluru. In March, two South African citizens were arrested in the city with nearly 38 kilograms of MDMA, worth approximately ₹275 crore. That operation was connected to an earlier arrest in Mangalore and exposed a supply chain running from Delhi to Karnataka.

In a separate case, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence intercepted a Ghanaian woman at Kempegowda International Airport with over 3 kilograms of cocaine concealed in her luggage. She had flown in from Doha.