Authorities recovered 12 kilograms of MDMA, a potent narcotic, from her possession.
A 40-year-old Nigerian woman has been arrested by the Anti-Narcotics wing of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Bengaluru, India, on charges of drug trafficking.
Authorities recovered 12 kilograms of MDMA, a potent narcotic, from her possession.
The suspect, identified as Roselime Oluchi Ikeoha, was allegedly using a grocery shop she has operated in TC Palya for the past five years to peddle drugs to her customers.
A statement released by City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda on Tuesday, confirmed the arrest and described it as one of the largest drug busts in the city.
Investigators suspect the grocery store served as a front for Ikeoha's drug peddling activities. Acting on credible information, the CCB Narcotics team raided her premises and detained her.
"This is one of the biggest drug seizures in Bengaluru and Karnataka," Dayananda said.
"The Narcotics Control Wing of the CCB team successfully dismantled an MDMA crystal drug network, which is international in scope. They recovered 12 kg of pure white and yellow MDMA, with a total value of approximately ₹24 crore."
Dayananda also revealed that Ikeoha, who arrived in Bengaluru on a business visa five years ago, had overstayed as her visa had expired.
Hindustan Times report that during interrogation, Ikeoha reportedly confessed to her involvement in illegal activities, including drug sales.
"She admitted to making illegal money by selling drugs at inflated prices," Dayananda said.
"An investigation is now underway to identify Ikeoha’s suppliers and uncover the role of a Mumbai-based woman believed to be connected to the network. After her arrest, the CCB Narcotics team interrogated her, gathered information, and seized 12 kg of drugs. We are now searching for the supplier," Dayananda added.
"Further investigations will focus on identifying the Mumbai woman, understanding the reason behind the 70 SIM cards found in her possession, and determining where the drugs were sourced," he explained.
Meanwhile, the case has been filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Foreigners Act.