The Anti-Narcotics Wing of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Bengaluru city police has dismantled a major drug trafficking operation, arresting a foreign national and seizing MDMA and ecstasy tablets valued at ₹5.15 crore on the international market, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The arrested suspect has been identified as 45-year-old Ernest Onyekachi Ugah, who was allegedly operating from a rented residence in the Munnekolalu area under the Marathahalli police station limits.
Based on specific intelligence inputs, officers arrested Ugah on the night of Monday, January 19, 2026, while he was allegedly engaged in the sale of narcotic substances. During the operation, police recovered 2.5 kg of MDMA and 300 ecstasy pills from his possession.
Police revealed that Ugah has two prior cases registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Hennur and Kadugodi police stations in Bengaluru. He had been released from prison only recently and was under close surveillance before his arrest.
According to officials, Ugah arrived in Bengaluru about five years ago for medical treatment but overstayed after his visa expired and allegedly became involved in illegal activities. Despite his visa status, he continued residing in the country and was repeatedly linked to criminal offences.
A fresh case has been registered against him under the NDPS Act, and further investigations are underway to trace the source of the drugs, identify supply chains, and uncover other members of the trafficking network.
Senior police officers also highlighted the need for fast-track trials in cases involving repeat offenders and foreign nationals, noting that delays in the judicial process often allow accused persons to secure bail and continue criminal activities.
“If fast-track trials are implemented, such accused can be deported to their home countries at the earliest. Otherwise, they obtain bail and continue committing the same offences,” an officer said, adding that stricter bail conditions are necessary in drug-related cases, especially for repeat offenders.
