Mangaluru, Feb 14: A Nigerian national previously arrested in a major narcotics case has once again surfaced in a high-profile drug investigation, prompting fresh action by law enforcement agencies.

Peter Ikedi Belonwu (39), earlier booked for allegedly supplying MDMA across Mangaluru and other states, is now accused of resuming drug trafficking activities soon after securing bail. Investigators have identified him as the key supplier behind a recent ₹4 crore MDMA seizure in Bengaluru.

The development follows the January 12 arrest of Jalia Zalwango (34), a Ugandan national apprehended in Bengaluru with 4 kg of MDMA. During interrogation, police reportedly traced the source of the consignment back to Belonwu, triggering a renewed manhunt to take him into custody.

Belonwu has a record of involvement in high-value drug cases. In October 2024, he was arrested in Bengaluru after authorities seized 6 kg of MDMA valued at ₹6 crore from his possession. Although he later approached the High Court and secured bail in April 2025, investigators allege he quickly returned to the narcotics trade, continuing to supply synthetic drugs through a network of foreign operatives.

Police sources indicate that this pattern is not new. In 2023, Belonwu was arrested in another drug-related case in Bengaluru. Despite being granted bail at the time, he allegedly continued his activities, raising concerns about repeat offences and the limitations faced by enforcement agencies in curbing international drug syndicates.

Authorities in Mangaluru are now coordinating with their counterparts in Bengaluru and other agencies to trace his movements and re-arrest him. The case has once again spotlighted the challenges law enforcement faces in dismantling cross-border drug networks operating within the state.