Hyderabad: 24 December Posted on 2:23 PM IST
Hyderabad police have busted a narcotics racket allegedly operating under the guise of a software job, arresting four individuals including a woman software engineer and her live-in partner. The arrests were made during a joint operation conducted in Chikkadpally, Hyderabad.
The operation was carried out by the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing in coordination with Chikkadpally Police, following specific intelligence inputs about illegal drug distribution in the area. Acting swiftly, police teams conducted targeted raids and apprehended the accused.
During the search, officials seized hydroponic ganja, MDMA, ecstasy pills, and LSD blots along with four mobile phones and ₹50,000 in cash. Police estimated the total value of the seized narcotics at approximately ₹3.12 lakh, highlighting the scale of the illegal operation.
According to Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath DCP Task Force & HNEW, the prime accused, Ummidi Immanuel, initially sourced drugs through local suppliers but later shifted to dark web marketplaces. “He allegedly accessed these platforms using the Tor browser and paid suppliers through cryptocurrency converted from Indian currency, making transactions harder to trace”, DCP added.
Police further revealed that during Immanuel’s absence, his live-in partner — a software engineer employed with a reputed firm — managed the network. She allegedly handled financial dealings, customer coordination, and communication within the group.
Another accused functioned as a transporter and delivery agent, distributing drugs across different parts of Hyderabad. The fourth individual arrested was identified as a consumer linked to the network, police said.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at Chikkadpally Police Station. Authorities stated that further investigation is underway to identify suppliers, buyers, and digital transaction trails connected to the racket.
Police have urged citizens and parents to remain vigilant and report any information related to drug abuse or peddling. Officials emphasized that community cooperation is essential to curb the growing drug menace in Hyderabad.
Mohammed Naseer Giyas is a multi-media and bilingual journalist with over 20 years of experience across print, digital, and television media. Founder of Raftaar-e-Deccan, he is an alumnus of IVLP, Thomson Reuters Foundation, and ICFJ, and has worked with leading English and Urdu news organisations.
