Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) and Borabanda Police on Monday carried out a joint operation and made a ganja suppliers arrest, taking three persons into custody and seizing contraband worth ₹2.5 lakh.
Police identified the accused as suppliers G. Rakesh alias Rebal (25) and Bt. Vijay Kumar (21), both from Malkangiri district in Odisha, and local peddler Kotha Tirumala Reddy (27), a resident of Borabanda.
During the ganja suppliers arrest, officials seized 4 kg of ganja, a TVS Jupiter scooter (TS09EB8553), and three mobile phones. Police registered a case under relevant sections of the NDPS Act at Borabanda Police Station.
Ganja suppliers arrest exposes drug network
According to police, Kotha Tirumala Reddy discontinued his education after Class 7. He later worked as a water can delivery boy and then at a fish aquarium shop in Borabanda.
After gaining experience, he started his own aquarium business with borrowed money. However, he incurred losses and shut it down in 2024.
He then worked as a driver for a food product company in Medchal. Due to mounting debts, he allegedly turned to ganja peddling to earn quick money.
Police said he procured ganja from Odisha-based suppliers at low prices and sold it locally at higher rates. Payments were made in cash and through UPI transactions, according to officials.
Ganja suppliers arrest follows joint operation
On April 4, based on credible information, H-NEW teams along with local police conducted the operation within Borabanda limits. They apprehended the accused and seized the contraband during the ganja suppliers arrest.
Police said the suppliers sourced ganja from an absconding आरोपी identified as Chotu in Odisha. They then transported it to Hyderabad for distribution.
Officials added that Tirumala Reddy sometimes travelled to the Odisha border to procure ganja. On other occasions, suppliers delivered it directly in the city.
Ganja suppliers arrest prompts public advisory
Police warned that drug abuse is increasingly affecting students, IT professionals, doctors, and other educated individuals. They said such involvement leads to anti-social activities and harms families and society.
The H-NEW urged the public to avoid substance abuse and remain vigilant. Parents were advised to monitor their children’s activities closely.
Police also appealed to citizens to share information related to drug abuse. They provided a contact number for reporting such activities.
Inspector B. Venkat of H-NEW, SI C. Venkata Ramulu, Borabanda SHO M. Surender, SI Shaik Nagulmeera, and their teams carried out the operation under the supervision of DCP Vaibhav Gaikwad.