Taiwo Popoola
Authorities in Bengaluru, India, had fingered the involvement of Nigerian women in drug-related offences and have arrested the 40-year-old Nigerian woman, identified as Roselime Oluchi Ikeoha.
The Anti-Narcotics wing of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) recovered 12 kilograms of MDMA, a potent synthetic narcotic, from her possession, marking one of the largest drug seizures in Bengaluru’s history.
Police Commissioner B. Dayananda confirmed the arrest, stating that the drugs seized were valued at approximately ₹24 crore. Investigators revealed that Ikeoha had been operating a grocery shop in the TC Palya area for the past five years, which allegedly served as a front for her drug distribution activities.
“This is one of the biggest drug seizures in Bengaluru and Karnataka.
“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 said.
Dayananda further said that CCB officials, while acting on credible intelligence, raided Ikeoha’s premises and detained her. During the operation, they also discovered 70 SIM cards, raising suspicions about a broader network of criminal activity.
According to authorities, Ikeoha admitted during interrogation to making illegal profits by selling drugs at inflated prices.
She also reportedly provided leads on her suppliers and a potential connection to a Mumbai-based woman involved in the drug trade.
“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 a supplier.
“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.
Ikeoha, who entered India on a business visa five years ago, had overstayed after her visa expired. Police have filed cases against her under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Foreigners Act.
