Hyderabad: In a major crackdown, the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) and Nallakunta police teamed up to break an inter-state drug smuggling network. They arrested four suspects and seized illegal drugs worth approximately ₹1.4 crore.
The team confiscated 1,380 grams of OG (hydroponic ganja), 44 LSD blots, 250 grams of magic mushrooms, and other related items. These drugs were being distributed through illegal online platforms known as darknet markets.
Among those arrested are Harshvardan Shrivastava (30) from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and B Srinivasa Rahul (30) from Chennai. The other two, Abhishek (26) and Dhawal (29), are local peddlers from Secunderabad.
Investigators revealed that Harshvardan operated as a key link in the drug supply chain. He used an encrypted app called Signal to buy high-quality drugs like OG cannabis from the darknet site Dread Market. He purchased the drugs for ₹15,000 per ounce and sold them for ₹25,000, shipping them through courier services like DTDC, Sri Thirupati, and Sri Anjaneyulu Couriers.
The accused used cryptocurrency and hawala routes to handle payments, avoiding detection by using VPNs to hide their digital footprints.
Police provided details about hydroponic ganja, also called OG. It’s a type of marijuana grown without soil, using nutrient-rich water and LED lighting. Drug dealers often buy the seeds online and cultivate the plants indoors.
Authorities have filed charges under the NDPS Act, 1985 — specifically, Sections 8(c), 20(b)(ii)(B), 22(c), and 27(b).
The H-NEW has urged citizens, especially parents, to stay alert. They request families to keep an eye on their children’s behavior to prevent them from falling into drug use.
Anyone with information about drug activities is encouraged to contact the H-NEW team at 8712661601.
