In a significant crackdown, the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) has dismantled a sophisticated drug network, arresting four individuals, including three alleged peddlers. The arrests were made in the Chikkadpally area on December 23, leading to the seizure of narcotics worth a substantial amount.
The Arrests and Seizure
The police team apprehended Ummidi Immanuel, an event manager from Kondapur; Sushmitha Devi, a software professional with a prominent firm; and G Sai Kumar, who worked as a gig worker. A consumer identified as T Taraka was also nabbed in the operation.
Officials confiscated a significant haul of drugs from the accused. The seized contraband included 22 grams of OG, 5 grams of MDMA, six LSD blots, and 6 grams of ecstasy pills. The total estimated street value of the narcotics is a staggering Rs 3.12 lakh.
Modus Operandi: Dark Web and Crypto Payments
Investigations revealed a well-organized operation. According to H-NEW officials, the prime accused, Immanuel, who was once a drug user himself, allegedly turned into a peddler. He was in a live-in relationship with co-accused Sushmitha Devi, and together they sourced and sold drugs to a clientele in Hyderabad.
The procurement method was notably high-tech. Immanuel reportedly sourced drugs from multiple suppliers, including via the dark web using the Tor browser. Payments for these illicit purchases were made discreetly using cryptocurrency. "Payments were made through platforms like Binance and Trust Wallet by converting money into cryptocurrency. The drugs were then delivered to Immanuel through courier services by absconding suppliers," explained an H-NEW official.
Distribution Network and Roles
The network had clearly defined roles. After procuring the drugs, the contraband was sold at inflated prices to known consumers in the city. Police stated that in Immanuel's absence, Sushmitha Devi managed the entire peddling operation, acting as a sub-peddler.
She allegedly enlisted the help of G Sai Kumar as a transporter and distributor to deliver drugs to consumers. Sushmitha, who earned approximately Rs 25,000 per month from her legitimate software job, also handled the financial transactions. Payments from drug sales were received directly into her bank account, and she independently managed operations under Immanuel's direction when he was not present.
This case highlights the evolving nature of drug trafficking, where technology is leveraged for both procurement and payment, posing new challenges for law enforcement agencies. The H-NEW's successful operation underscores their efforts to combat such tech-savvy criminal networks in the city.
