Hyderabad: Saifabad Police busted a ganja trafficking racket and arrested two women for allegedly transporting more than 21 kilograms of cannabis from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai.
Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted the suspects near the Lakdikapul Railway Station parking area on May 29. Officers recovered 21.251 kg of ganja hidden in three luggage bags.
Police found the contraband packed in 19 packets. Officials estimated its value at several lakhs of rupees.
According to ACP R. Sanjay Kumar of the Saifabad Division, the arrested women are Tippigiri Laxmi alias Bugamma, 43, a native of Narayanpet who currently lives in Mumbai, and Sandipkaur Makkhan Singh, 60, a resident of Mumbai.
During questioning, the women allegedly told investigators that they had procured the ganja from a supplier in Visakhapatnam. Police said they were transporting it to Mumbai for distribution.
Ganja trafficking racket linked to interstate network
Investigators also identified two alleged associates, Baby and Sampath. However, both suspects remain absconding.
Apart from the cannabis, police seized three travel bags and two mobile phones that the accused allegedly used during the operation.
Police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Authorities have handed the investigation to Additional Inspector of Police N. Rajender of Saifabad Police Station.
Officials said investigators are now working to trace the wider network connected to the ganja trafficking racket and identify other individuals involved in the operation.
The arrest took place under the supervision of ACP R. Sanjay Kumar, SHO A. Seethiah, Additional Inspector N. Rajender and other members of the Saifabad Police team.