Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 17: Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Monday alleged that narcotics were being smuggled into the state through collusion at Delhi airport, following the recent seizure of drugs worth Rs 75 crore in Bengaluru.
Speaking in the Assembly, Khader lauded the Karnataka Police for their success in busting a major drug network and arresting two South African nationals in connection with the case. The accused, identified as 31-year-old Bamba Fanta, also known as Adonis Jabulile, from Agbovillae, and 30-year-old Abigail Adonis, also known as Olijo Evans, from Pretoria, were residing in Delhi before their arrest in Bengaluru. The operation was led by the Mangaluru police, who traced the origins of the network after initial seizures of smaller quantities of drugs.
"I commend the chief minister, home minister, and the police department for their relentless efforts in combating the drug menace. This operation is a significant strike against the drug mafia. The police's perseverance and meticulous investigation have led to uncovering the network," said Khader. He further emphasized that while Mangaluru was previously suspected to be a hub for drug trafficking, the investigation has revealed that drugs were being smuggled from Delhi. "If drugs are coming from Delhi, there has to be collusion at the airport," he stated.
Khader called for a comprehensive probe into the smuggling routes and the officials involved. "If we dismantle the top-to-bottom drug network, we can put an end to this menace. We must work together to eradicate this threat," he added.
BJP MLA Harish Poonja from Mangaluru congratulated the police and urged the home minister to empower law enforcement agencies further to make Karnataka a 'Narcotics-Free State.' Congress MLA S N Narayanaswamy also commended the police for their dedication, noting that breaking such a widespread drug network was a testament to their commitment and courage.
BJP state president and MLA B Y Vijayendra warned that drug networks were expanding even to rural areas. He raised concerns over reports that some seized drugs were re-entering the market and called for strict measures to ensure their destruction. "Proper surveillance must be maintained to prevent such lapses," he urged.
Bengaluru MLA S Muniraju pointed out the growing drug-related issues in educational institutions. "With multiple universities in my constituency, students from all over the country come here. Drug problems have become a daily challenge, and Bengaluru police must remain vigilant," he said.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, in his statement to the Assembly, highlighted that the Mangaluru police had been tracking the movement of narcotics from Delhi for a long time before making the breakthrough. "This is the largest-ever drug seizure in Karnataka, and I congratulate the officers involved. The government has declared zero tolerance for drugs, and this case marks a major victory in our war against narcotics," he stated.
Investigations have revealed that the arrested African nationals had traveled through Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru airports 59 times, raising serious concerns about collusion at multiple airports. Authorities are now focusing on exposing the larger network facilitating drug smuggling through these routes.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, appreciating the efforts of the Mangaluru police, reiterated the government's commitment to eradicating the drug menace. "This operation, the biggest in Karnataka's history, has prevented a potential disaster for thousands of youth. From day one, we have vowed to build a drug-free society. During my recent visit to Mangaluru, I assured the people that we would take strong measures against drug trafficking. This operation is a crucial step in fulfilling that promise," he said.
The Karnataka Police have intensified their probe into the matter, aiming to uncover the full extent of the drug trafficking network operating across the state.