Pramesh S Jain
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has intercepted five foreign nationals suspected of involvement in drug-related activities and found to be staying illegally in Bengaluru, in a coordinated crackdown carried out with the city police.
The operation was conducted during the first fortnight of September by the NCB Bengaluru Zonal Unit,in coordination with the Deputy Commissioners of Police (East)and Whitefield,following intelligence inputs about foreign-national settlements allegedly linked to drug trafficking.
The five foreign nationals,belonging to different countries,were intercepted from Krishnarajapuram and Kammanahalli areas.
They were placed under discreet surveillance before being intercepted,the NCB said.
Surveillance reportedly indicated that the suspects were not engaged in any legitimate business,employment or educational activity and were suspected to be involved in drug-related activities.
Verification subsequently established their identities, though no criminal antecedents were found against them.
As they were found to be illegally staying in India,the five were handed over to the jurisdictional police for action under the Foreigners Act, 1946,including initiation of deportation proceedings.
The NCB also warned landlords accommodating foreign nationals that Section 7 of the Foreigners Act requires them to report details of foreign tenants to the police or FRRO through Form-C within 24 hours of providing accommodation.
Failure to comply is punishable with imprisonment of up to five years under Section 14 of the Act.The latest action is part of the NCB’s year-long 2026-27 drive under its Vision Document,with a specific focus on identifying and deporting foreign nationals suspected of drug trafficking and illegal stay.
The NCB Bengaluru Zonal Unit said eight foreign nationals—seven African nationals and one Yemeni national—have already been deported in 2026 on similar grounds of illegal stay and suspected involvement in drug trafficking.
The agency has urged citizens to provide information on the sale,transportation or trade of narcotic drugs through the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline (1933)
