Hyderabad: SR Nagar Police arrested three persons and seized 78.55 kg of ganja in a series of raids conducted in Hyderabad, following specific intelligence about drug delivery operations in the city.
Police officials said they first received credible information on February 7 that two persons were staying at Hotel New Sree Krishna Residency in SR Nagar and were holding ganja for supply to customers. Acting on the tip-off, the SR Nagar Police Station team, along with the Jubilee Hills Task Force, raided Room No. 404 on the fourth floor of the hotel.
During the operation, police apprehended Rinita Raita, 29, an Odisha girl, and seized 11.370 kg of ganja along with a Jio Bharat keypad mobile phone from her possession. Officers conducted the seizure under a proper panchanama.
SR Nagar ganja seizure leads to multiple arrests
Based on the seizure, police registered a case in Crime No. 870/2025 under Sections 8(c), 20(b)(ii)(B), and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985. Subsequently, they arrested Rinita Raita and remanded her to judicial custody.
During interrogation, police uncovered the involvement of two more accused who were absconding at the time. They identified Maniel Dalabehera, described as the main cultivator from Odisha, and Ismail Raita, an employee at Rockwell Industries in Medchal, as key links in the supply chain.
Later, on February 10, police received fresh information that both accused would arrive near the 33/11 KV Begumpet Sub-Station in Balkampet. Acting swiftly, the SR Nagar Police team, again with the Jubilee Hills Task Force, rushed to the location and apprehended both men.
Police recover additional contraband in follow-up raid
During the follow-up operation, police seized 67.18 kg of ganja and two mobile phones from the accused. Officers arrested both men on the spot and completed seizure formalities under a panchanama.
Police said the arrests exposed an inter-state ganja network involving cultivation in Odisha and distribution in Hyderabad. Further investigation is underway to trace additional links and suppliers connected to the case.