The Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) has apprehended three drug peddlers from Rajasthan involved in trafficking a substantial quantity of narcotic drug Opium (Afeem) in Hyderabad. The police seized 3.2 kg of opium valued at Rs 17 lakh during the arrest.
The accused, Savlaram Bishnoi (43), Hapuram Bishnoi (38), and Lalaram Bishnoi (41), all natives of Jalore District, Rajasthan, reportedly earned around Rs 4 lakh for every kilogram of opium sold.
Telangana hosts a significant Rajasthani diaspora, which drug smugglers have increasingly targeted over recent years by supplying Opium and Amphetamine-based narcotics to this community’s youth.
The investigation began 45 days ago when the EAGLE team received a tip about an opioid drug delivery. Intensive technical and surveillance work over the weeks led to actionable intelligence pinpointing the suspects.
Savlaram and his brother Gangaram had migrated to Hyderabad in 2008-09 and learned steel railing work. Savlaram has been consuming opium for 20 years and, spotting a profitable market among the Rajasthani community in Hyderabad, started selling opium around a decade ago.
As police increased surveillance on Gangaram, he returned to Rajasthan and helped Savlaram procure and transport opium to Hyderabad. Hapuram, a close relative, assisted in the business with the promise of commissions, while Lalaram facilitated drug transport and storage, including storing drugs at his house in Adilabad.
About a month ago, Savlaram handed over 3.25 kg of opium to Lalaram. On Thursday, while waiting in Bowenpally to sell the drugs to customers, Savlaram, Hapuram, and Lalaram were arrested by the EAGLE team with the seized narcotics.
