70 kg dry ganja seized in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The Commissioner’s Task Force, West Zone Team, along with SR Nagar Police arrested two persons and seized 70 kg dry ganja worth Rs 35,00,000 during a joint operation in the city.

Police identified the accused as Maniel Dalabhera, 30, a farmer from Anugur village in R. Udaygiri area of Gajapati district, Odisha, and Ismail Raita, 48, a native of Keredanga in Udayagiri, Gajapati district, who was working in a private industry at Medchal. Officers also seized two mobile phones from their possession.

Investigators said Maniel Dalabhera allegedly cultivated ganja on about half an acre of agricultural land in his native village. He reportedly continued the illegal cultivation due to financial distress. During this period, he contacted his relative Rinita Raita and raised ganja plants on his father’s land.

Police said Ismail Raita moved to Hyderabad in November-2024 with his wife in search of employment. He later secured a job as a fitter at an industrial unit in Medchal. However, due to financial difficulties, he allegedly agreed to sell dry ganja in Hyderabad after being informed about the cultivation in their native village.

70 kg dry ganja worth Rs 35 lakh seized in joint operation

According to police, Ismail Raita approached potential buyers in Dhoolpet area. Subsequently, some customers visited his residence area at Medchal and allegedly purchased dry ganja on multiple occasions. Acting on specific information, the Task Force and SR Nagar Police apprehended the duo and recovered 70 kg dry ganja along with two mobile phones.

The total value of the seized 70 kg dry ganja was estimated at Rs 35,00,000. Police said they registered a case and initiated further investigation to identify other persons involved in the supply chain.

The arrest was carried out under the supervision of Inspector of Police Ch. Yadender of the West Zone Task Force and D. Ravi Raj, Sub-Inspector of Police, along with their staff and SR Nagar Police personnel.

In a public advisory, police warned that drugs destroy careers, families and futures. They urged youth to stay away from narcotic substances and appealed to citizens to report any suspicious drug-related activities by dialling 100.