Hyderabad Police Dismantle Multi-State Drug Trafficking Network, Arrest Four Smugglers

Hyderabad's Commissioner's Task Force, working with officers from Shamshabad Zone and Adibatla Police, has successfully broken up a significant drug trafficking network operating across state lines. The operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals involved in the illegal distribution of ganja.

The four men taken into custody have been identified as Prashant Ganesh Pasalkar, known as Nana, Rajesh Hanumant Londhe, Srihari Lima, and Shahaji Gorak Changan, also known as Pappu. The raids also led to the seizure of 110 kg of cannabis, two vehicles, and four mobile phones, with the total value of confiscated items estimated at ₹56 lakh.

However, the investigation has revealed that two additional suspects remain at large. These include the alleged mastermind of the operation, Pranav Singh, and a supplier identified as Prabhitra Pradhan.

According to investigators, the smuggling network sourced its product from suppliers based in Berhampur, Odisha, before distributing it to buyers across Maharashtra. The operation employed a sophisticated logistics system to transport the contraband across multiple states while evading law enforcement detection.

The accused reportedly made trips to Odisha at regular intervals—approximately every 10 to 12 days—to collect fresh supplies of ganja from their source. They then transported the drugs through Andhra Pradesh and Telangana en route to Maharashtra.

To facilitate their operations, the network employed several evasion tactics. A Tata Harrier vehicle served as an advance scout, with its driver positioned about five kilometres ahead of the main cargo vehicle to monitor police checkpoints and alert the smuggling team. The group also relied on internet-based communication systems to avoid traditional phone surveillance.

Additionally, the accused replaced the original registration plate of their Maruti Ertiga with a counterfeit Maharashtra registration number when passing through toll booths, further obscuring their identity and origin.

The economics of their operation proved lucrative. Investigators determined that the group purchased ganja in Odisha at approximately ₹4,000 per kilogram, intending to sell it at substantially higher rates in Maharashtra to maximize their illegal profits.

The breakthrough came when the Shamshabad Zone Task Force received specific intelligence and intercepted both vehicles near the Bongulur ORR Gate Junction, which falls under the jurisdiction of Adibatla Police Station. All four accused were arrested at the scene, and the contraband was recovered.

The case has been registered against the arrested individuals under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The investigation team has transferred the suspects and seized materials to Adibatla Police for further proceedings while continuing efforts to locate the two fugitive suspects.

Hyderabad Police have also issued a public advisory urging parents and citizens to remain alert to drug-related activities in their communities. The department is encouraging residents to report any suspected narcotics trafficking to support efforts in maintaining a drug-free city.