Nigerian woman arrested in India for alleged MDMA trafficking worth N1.8 Billion

A 25-year-old Nigerian woman, Ifeoluwa Akinwunmi, has been apprehended by the Anti-Narcotics Wing of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Bengaluru, India, on suspicion of trafficking 5.325 kilograms of MDMA crystals, commonly known as ecstasy.

The seized drugs are estimated to be worth over ₹10 crore, which translates to approximately $1.2 million or ₦1.8 billion.

According to police reports, Akinwunmi was intercepted near Tarahunase village on Rajanukunte Main Road.

She was reportedly carrying a bag containing the illicit substance.

In addition to the MDMA, investigators also recovered 11 new churidar outfits and an iPhone from her possession.

Akinwunmi initially arrived in India in 2021 on a business visa, later transitioning to a student visa. However, authorities state she allegedly failed to enroll in any academic institution.

During questioning, she informed police that she had been working in Delhi as a hairstylist and nail technician and had aspirations of opening her own salon in Bengaluru.

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Authorities further reported that Akinwunmi claimed she was recruited by another Nigerian woman named Asa, who instructed her to transport the package to an unknown contact in Bengaluru.

She reportedly denied knowing the true contents of the parcel.

The suspect has been charged under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Foreigners Act. She is currently in custody as investigations continue to identify her local and international collaborators.

This arrest is part of ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to intensify their crackdown on the increasing number of drug trafficking cases involving international syndicates.