Bengaluru, September 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Bengaluru Zonal Unit, in coordination with Bengaluru City Police, has detained five foreign nationals suspected of involvement in drug-related activities and found to be staying illegally in the city, officials said.
The action was part of a special drive conducted during the first fortnight of September 2026 following intelligence inputs about settlements of foreign nationals in Bengaluru allegedly linked to drug trafficking.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Deputy Commissioners of Police (East) and Whitefield. NCB and police teams conducted checks in their respective jurisdictions.
During the operation, five foreign nationals from different countries were intercepted in the Krishnarajapura and Kammanahalli areas. The NCB said the individuals had been kept under discreet surveillance based on intelligence inputs.
According to the agency, the surveillance indicated that they were not engaged in any legitimate business, employment or educational activity and were suspected of links to drug-related activities.
Their identities were subsequently verified. The NCB said no criminal antecedents were found against them. However, they were found to be staying illegally in India and were handed over to the jurisdictional police for necessary action under the Foreigners Act and initiation of deportation proceedings as per law.
The NCB also highlighted the legal responsibilities of landlords who provide accommodation to foreign nationals.
Under Section 7 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, landlords are required to report details of foreign tenants to the police or the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) through Form-C within 24 hours of providing accommodation.
The agency said failure to comply with the provision is punishable by imprisonment of up to five years under Section 14 of the Act.
The latest action comes amid intensified efforts by the NCB to identify and deport foreign nationals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking as well as those found staying illegally in India.
The agency said eight foreign nationals — seven African nationals and one Yemeni national — had already been deported in 2026 on similar grounds of illegal stay and suspected involvement in drug trafficking through coordinated efforts by the Bengaluru Zonal Unit.
The NCB appealed to citizens to cooperate with authorities in efforts to achieve a drug-free India. It also urged people to report information related to the sale, transportation or trade of narcotic drugs through the MANAS–National Narcotics Helpline at the toll-free number 1933.
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