NCB nabs five foreign nationals in Bengaluru drug crackdown

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in coordination with the city police, has intercepted five foreign nationals in Bengaluru on suspicion of involvement in drug-related activities. The individuals, who belong to different countries, were found to be staying in India illegally.

The operation was carried out during the first week of September in the K.R. Puram and Kammanahalli areas. According to the NCB, the suspects were kept under discreet surveillance before being taken into custody. Surveillance indicated that they were not engaged in any legitimate business, employment, or educational activity, and were suspected to be linked to drug trafficking.

Verification later confirmed their identities, though no criminal antecedents were found against them. Since they were residing in the country without valid documentation, the five were handed over to the jurisdictional police for action under the Foreigners Act, 1946, including initiation of deportation proceedings.

The NCB has also reminded landlords that under Section 7 of the Foreigners Act, they must report details of foreign tenants to the police or the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) through Form-C within 24 hours of providing accommodation. Non-compliance is punishable with imprisonment of up to five years under Section 14 of the Act.

This action is part of the NCB's year-long drive under its Vision Document, which focuses on identifying and deporting foreign nationals suspected of drug trafficking and illegal stay. The NCB's Bengaluru Zonal Unit said that eight foreign nationals — seven African nationals and one Yemeni national — have already been deported in 2026 on similar grounds.

The agency has urged citizens to report any information on the sale, transportation, or trade of narcotic drugs through the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline (1933).