Hyderabad police have made a major breakthrough against a drug network by seizing 908 kg of ganja in Bandlaguda, worth about ₹2.7 crore. The Task Force South-East Zone, along with Bandlaguda police, caught the shipment at OS Palace Function Hall on the main road as it was on its way to Maharashtra.
The police arrested Mohammed Kaleem Uddin (32), a heavy vehicle driver from Golconda; Shaik Sohail (23), an AC technician; and Mohammed Afzal (25), a domestic appliance mechanic from Patel Nagar, Amberpet. These three, who have been friends since childhood, previously smuggled PDS rice but turned to narcotics for quick money.
Investigations uncovered that the operation was led by Rahman, Kaleem’s older brother, who is currently evading arrest. Other associates include Jithu from Kalimela, Odisha, Suresh from Srikakulam, and Mahesh from Maharashtra. The gang obtained the ganja from forests near Kalimela, Malkangiri, Odisha.
The drugs were packed in 28 HDPE bags, hidden under cashew shells, and covered with tarps. The accused received between ₹3–5 lakh for each trip, while Rahman took a larger share. After collecting the ganja, the group left the vehicle at Amberpet, Hyderabad, for two days before heading towards Nashik, Maharashtra.
The police swiftly intercepted the vehicle, seizing the drugs, the Eicher transport vehicle, four mobile phones, and ₹2,500 in cash. The three men were arrested immediately. The case is now registered under the NDPS Act at Bandlaguda Police Station. Deputy Commissioner of Police S. Chaitanya Kumar praised the team for breaking a critical part of the drug trade network and pledged to dismantle more drug cartels.
Authorities suspect the syndicate planned regular large shipments from Odisha‘s remote areas to urban markets in Maharashtra and beyond. Police teams are actively searching for the missing leaders in Hyderabad and other states. Initial investigations indicate that Hyderabad is becoming a key transit point for drugs, prompting officials to boost surveillance, encourage public awareness, and stay alert against organized drug activities.
