African National Turned Drug Peddler Busted in Bengaluru: ₹4 Crore Worth of MDMA Seized, Shocking Details Emerge

Bengaluru, often known as India's IT hub, has once again made headlines—but this time for a worrying reason. The city’s Central Crime Branch (CCB) has arrested a 40-year-old African national, Daniel Arinze Okwosha, in a major drug bust that has unearthed a well-organized synthetic drug racket targeting college students and IT professionals.

Came to Bengaluru on a Business Visa, Turned to Crime

Daniel Arinze Okwosha reportedly arrived in Bengaluru in December 2023 on a business visa. However, instead of engaging in any legitimate trade, Daniel allegedly started operating a drug supply network. He was residing with a friend in a rented flat in Soladevanahalli, from where he is believed to have run his illegal business.

Police say that Daniel had strong links with drug suppliers both within Karnataka and from other states, indicating a well-established interstate drug network.

Massive Drug Haul: What the Police Recovered

After receiving a tip-off from an informer, CCB sleuths raided Daniel's flat and made the arrest. The operation led to the seizure of MDMA drugs worth ₹4 crore, a staggering figure that highlights the scale of the operation. The breakdown of the drug seizure is as follows:

• 1.48 kg of white MDMA
• 1.1 kg of brown MDMA

These are synthetic drugs known for their psychoactive and euphoric effects, often abused by youngsters at rave parties and underground events.

How Daniel Was Trapping Students and Professionals

According to police sources, Daniel had created a network of local distributors and used social media and messaging apps to reach out to potential buyers. He deliberately targeted college students and IT sector employees, knowing their purchasing power and the privacy of digital payments.

He reportedly used platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to take orders and organized doorstep deliveries via bike taxis and discreet drop locations. His approach made it difficult for law enforcement to track him for months.

One Accused Escapes, Police Continue Manhunt

While Daniel has been arrested, his roommate and alleged accomplice managed to escape during the police raid. Authorities believe this accomplice also played a key role in storing and distributing drugs in the Bengaluru region.

Senior officers from the CCB confirmed that a search operation is underway to locate the absconding smuggler and bust the entire network.

Growing Drug Menace in Bengaluru

This is not an isolated incident. In recent months, Bengaluru has become a hotspot for synthetic drug trafficking, with several cases involving foreign nationals. Drug mafias are increasingly targeting youth and working professionals, exploiting their vulnerability and financial independence.

Police believe that smugglers are using Bengaluru as a base for drug distribution not only within the city but to surrounding towns as well. These criminals exploit loopholes in visa regulations and often overstay after their documents expire.

What Authorities Are Doing

The Bengaluru police, particularly the Crime Branch, have intensified their anti-narcotics operations. Raids are being conducted more frequently, and digital surveillance is being enhanced to trace online orders and money transfers.

Police have also urged landlords and housing societies to verify the background of foreign nationals living on rent, as many such individuals are found involved in illegal activities under the guise of being students or businessmen.