In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Mangaluru City Police in India have arrested a 36-year-old Nigerian national for allegedly resuming MDMA supply operations after being released on bail in an earlier case.
The accused identified as Peter Ikedi Belonwu, had previously been arrested in connection with drug trafficking and was remanded to judicial custody.
However, after securing bail, he allegedly violated bail conditions and resumed illegal activities.
Police said the accused procured MDMA from Bengaluru and operated a distribution network supplying the drug to local dealers and students in Mangaluru and neighbouring Kasaragod.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding his renewed involvement in narcotics trade, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) launched a targeted operation and arrested him, the local media reported on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
At the time of arrest, officers reportedly seized a substantial quantity of MDMA along with other incriminating materials.
Investigators revealed that the accused frequently shifted locations and used multiple mobile phone numbers in an attempt to evade surveillance.
Police further stated that in October 2024, the accused was arrested in Bengaluru when 6 kg of MDMA, valued at appropriately 6 crore, was seized. Prior to that, he had also been arrested by Bengaluru police in 2023 in connection with drug trafficking cases.
Officials noted that sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated inter-city efforts were key to tracking his movements and preventing further distribution.
The arrest forms part of intensified enforcement measures by city police to curb drug circulation, particularly among youth. Authorities reiterated their commitment to strict action against repeat offenders and organised narcotics networks operating across Karnataka.
