Bengaluru, March 16 — Bengaluru police arrested two Nigerian women with over 37 kg of MDMA worth ₹75 crore, marking the largest drug seizure in Karnataka.
Identified as Bamba Fanta (31) and Abigail Adonis (30), the women were caught at Bengaluru airport after arriving from Delhi with the drugs concealed in trolley bags, Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal said.
Authorities seized four mobile phones, passports, and ₹18,000 in cash. Investigations revealed the duo resided in Delhi and frequently smuggled MDMA nationwide, making 37 trips to Mumbai and 22 to Bengaluru in the past year.
Fanta entered India in 2020 on a business visa, while Adonis had been staying since 2016. Both were allegedly linked to a drug cartel for 1-2 years.
The breakthrough stemmed from a drug bust six months ago when Mangaluru police arrested Haider Ali with 15 grams of MDMA. His interrogation led to the capture of Nigerian national Peter in Bengaluru with 6 kg of the drug, eventually unearthing the larger network.
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) is a synthetic psychoactive drug known for its stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. Commonly called Ecstasy or Molly, it enhances mood, energy, and sensory perception, making it popular in party and rave scenes.
It increases serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels in the brain, leading to feelings of euphoria, emotional closeness, and heightened sensory experiences. However, it also has dangerous side effects, including dehydration, increased heart rate, hyperthermia, and, in some cases, fatal overdoses.
Due to its high abuse potential and health risks, MDMA is classified as an illegal substance in most countries, including India.
