Major Drug Bust in Hyderabad: Fashion Student Among Five Arrested for Narcotics Peddling
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Hyderabad-Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) apprehended five individuals, including a fashion design student, for allegedly peddling MDMA and OG ganja in the Punjagutta area on Sunday. The arrests highlight growing concerns about drug networks targeting educational institutions in the city.
Contraband Worth ₹3 Lakh Seized in Coordinated Operation
Acting on a specific tip-off, police officials conducted a raid near Nagarjuna Circle, close to a private fashion college, where the accused had assembled. Authorities confiscated narcotics with an estimated street value of ₹3 lakh from the suspects. According to police statements, the group had planned to sell 1 gram of MDMA for approximately ₹30,000 to potential consumers.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:- K Mahaan Reddy (28), a driver and the alleged prime accused
- Mohammed Abdul Nabi, an employee at an e-commerce company
- Rupani Mukesh Babu, an IT recruiter
- Sriram Ravi Teja, a fashion design student
- Bhupathi Sai Chaitanya, a software employee
Network Targeting Students Uncovered
Assistant Commissioner of Police Murali Krishna revealed that the accused specifically targeted student populations for their drug distribution activities. "Prime accused Mahaan Reddy procured the drugs through his contacts in Bengaluru with the intention of selling them to consumers in Hyderabad," stated Inspector Rama Krishna. "The five were caught when they gathered near a private fashion college at Nagarjuna Circle. Ravi Teja is actually a student at that institution."
Investigators disclosed that the accused initially began as drug abusers themselves before transitioning into peddling operations for financial gain. Some members of this group have reportedly been associated with drug trafficking networks for approximately four years, indicating established criminal connections.
Repeat Offenders and International Connections
Police investigations uncovered that Mahaan Reddy and Mukesh Babu are repeat offenders with prior involvement in similar illegal activities. Furthermore, authorities identified an international dimension to the case, revealing that a Nigerian national named Ben allegedly supplied drugs to the accused individuals.
H-NEW sleuths emphasized: "They were initially drug abusers who later turned to peddling for easy money. Some have been part of this network for about four years." The illegally earned proceeds were reportedly used to fund various vices and personal expenses of the accused.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
All five individuals have been formally charged under the stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Law enforcement officials have accessed financial records and communication logs to identify additional persons who may have been in contact with the accused, suggesting the investigation may expand to uncover broader networks.
This case underscores the persistent challenge of drug trafficking in urban educational hubs and demonstrates law enforcement's continued vigilance against narcotics distribution networks that specifically target vulnerable student populations.
