Synopsis
Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader revealed on March 17 that drug peddlers are collaborating with authorities at the Delhi airport to smuggle narcotics into the state. The Karnataka Police recently seized drugs worth Rs 75 crore, including 38 kg of MDMA.Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader highlights collusion at Delhi airport.
- Police seized Rs 75 crore worth of drugs in Bengaluru.
- Two South African nationals arrested in connection.
- Efforts to combat drug trafficking intensify.
- Government aims for a drug-free Karnataka.
Bengaluru, March 17 (NationPress) Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader remarked on Monday that narcotics and drugs were being smuggled into the state through a partnership between drug traffickers and officials at the Delhi airport.
He expressed this during an Assembly session, commending the Karnataka Police for their recent seizure of drugs valued at Rs 75 crore, which included 38 kg of MDMA, in Bengaluru on Sunday.
The police in Mangaluru successfully solved the case, apprehending two South African nationals in Bengaluru: Bamba Fanta, also known as Adonis Jabulile, aged 31, from Agbovillae, and Abigail Adonis, known as Olijo Evans, aged 30, from Pretoria. Both individuals were residing in Delhi.
U.T. Khader stated, “I applaud the Chief Minister, Home Minister, and the government for this operation. This is a significant blow to the drug syndicate. I commend the Mangaluru police for their diligent efforts, unwavering resolve, and commitment. The case began with the seizure of 15 grams of drugs, followed by 6.5 kilograms, and now we have traced the origins.”
“Previously, Mangaluru, the coastal city of Karnataka, was perceived as the source of drugs. However, it has now been established that the drugs are arriving from Delhi,” he asserted.
“If drugs are being smuggled from Delhi, it indicates collusion and internal arrangements at the Delhi airport,” he continued.
“Exposing the network of drug traffickers from top to bottom could dismantle the entire operation. We stand united on this issue and will ensure full cooperation with the government,” Khader remarked.
BJP MLA from Mangaluru district, Harish Poonja, praised the police and noted that a substantial quantity of drugs had been seized in Mangaluru through an operation conducted in Bengaluru. “On behalf of the people of Mangaluru, I commend the police. I urge the Home Minister to empower the police to conduct such operations and make Karnataka a ‘Narcotics-Free State’.”
Congress MLA S.N. Narayanaswamy lauded the Karnataka Police for their effectiveness. “The Mangaluru police have put their lives at risk to dismantle the drug network. I commend them. The drug operation spans the entire state. I appreciate the Chief Minister and the police department for their efforts,” he stated.
BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, while commending the police's work, cautioned that drug networks have begun operating at the taluk level. “I fear that some of the confiscated drugs might be re-entering the market and being resold with police involvement. Ensure that all seized drugs are properly destroyed. Maintain strict surveillance,” he advised the government.
S. Muniraju, BJP MLA, also congratulated the state police for the drug seizure. “In my Bengaluru constituency, three universities operate. Students from across the nation come there, and drug-related problems arise daily. The Bengaluru Police must remain vigilant,” he cautioned.
Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara addressed the Assembly on Monday regarding the drug seizure. “The Mangaluru police have successfully cracked a significant drug trafficking case, confiscating MDMA worth Rs 75 crore. They had been monitoring the narcotics, which were being transported from Delhi, for an extended period. This marks the first instance of such a large quantity of drugs being seized at once.”
“I am officially notifying the session about this and also commend the officers who solved the case,” he added.
Parameshwara further remarked, “I take all suggestions seriously. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has declared zero tolerance for drugs in Karnataka, and a war has been declared against drug trafficking. Stronger measures will be implemented in this regard.”
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Police have intensified their investigation into the largest drug haul in the state’s history. The focus of the investigation has now shifted to collusions at the Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru airports.
The Mangaluru Special Wing CCB police seized MDMA valued at Rs 75 crore, weighing 38 kilograms, in Bengaluru. The investigation has unveiled a shocking detail: The two arrested African nationals traveled through New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru airports a total of 59 times.
Investigators are now focusing on uncovering the extent of the collusion within the drug network at these airports.
Appreciating the drug seizure, CM Siddaramaiah stated on Sunday, “The operation conducted by the Mangalore City Police in detecting the largest drug haul in the state’s history and arresting two suspects is praiseworthy. The police have seized 37 kilograms of MDMA worth over Rs 75 crore, thereby averting a major threat that could have jeopardized thousands of young lives. From day one of our government, we have adopted a firm stance to create a drug-free society and have declared war against drug sales and consumption. A few months ago, during my visit to Mangalore, I assured the residents of the district that we would combat the drug menace and foster a healthier environment. As part of this pledge, a vast drug network has now been uncovered.”
“Our government is determined to eradicate the drug network that spreads across the state,” he concluded.
