Bengaluru, May 20: In one of the biggest narcotics crackdowns in recent times, Bengaluru City Police have busted a major interstate drug racket and arrested eight persons, including three foreign nationals, in connection with the seizure of 17.5 kg of MDMA worth nearly ₹35 crore in the illegal market.
The operation, led by Hebbal Police Station under Bengaluru City Police, also resulted in the seizure of two cars and four mobile phones used by the accused.
Crackdown Began With Hebbal Police Raid
According to police, the operation began on May 11, 2026, after officers received credible intelligence about three persons allegedly selling MDMA from a car parked near an apartment in Unnathi Layout, Anandnagar area of Bengaluru.
Acting swiftly, police conducted a raid and apprehended three accused, including a woman.
During the operation, police seized:
- 4.18 kg of MDMA
- One car
- Multiple mobile phones
During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed that the drugs were procured from suppliers based in Delhi and sold in Bengaluru at highly inflated prices.
More Drugs Recovered From Chikkanayakanahalli House
Further investigation led police to a residence in Chikkanayakanahalli, where additional narcotics were allegedly stored.
On May 14, police recovered another 10.12 kg of MDMA from the location, significantly expanding the scope of the case.
Delhi-NCR Link Exposed
Subsequent investigation revealed an interstate drug supply network operating between Delhi NCR and Bengaluru.
Police later arrested four more individuals from Delhi and Haryana, including:
- One foreign national
- Two foreign women
The accused allegedly admitted to supplying MDMA connected to the Bengaluru racket.
All the accused were brought to Bengaluru on transit warrants and subsequently remanded to police custody for further interrogation.
Another Arrest Near Hennur
On May 18, police arrested another suspect near a hospital in Hennur area.
A search conducted at his residence led to the recovery of an additional 3.2 kg of MDMA, taking the total seizure in the case to 17.5 kg.
“One of the Biggest MDMA Recoveries”: Police Commissioner
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar praised the coordinated efforts of the investigation team and termed the seizure one of the largest MDMA recoveries in recent years.
“This is one of the biggest recoveries of MDMA in recent times. Eight persons have been arrested, including six from Delhi NCR, among them three foreign nationals. The recovery of 17.5 kg of MDMA worth ₹35 crore was possible because of the coordinated efforts of nearly 40 officers and staff who worked across Bengaluru and Delhi NCR,” the Commissioner stated.
Link to Earlier Yeshwanthpura Drug Bust
Police officials also linked the case to a narcotics racket busted in Yeshwanthpura nearly 15 days ago, in which nine Bengaluru-based accused had been arrested.
Investigators suspect that multiple interstate drug syndicates may be operating in coordination across Bengaluru and Delhi NCR.
Search On for Absconding Accused
Police confirmed that some accused connected to the racket are still absconding and efforts are underway to trace and arrest the remaining suspects.
Further investigation into the drug supply chain, financial transactions and international links is currently underway.
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