In a major bust, the Rachakonda Special Operation Teams (LB Nagar zone) along with Abdullapurmet police arrested two interstate drug peddlers on Wednesday. Authorities seized 20 kilograms of hashish oil, estimated to be worth Rs 1.20 crore.
The arrested suspects are identified as Pangi Keshava Rao alias Kesha (40) from Ramaraju District, Andhra Pradesh, and Jairam Khemundu (26) from Koraput district, Odisha. Police also confiscated three mobile phones and Rs 870 in cash.
According to the investigation, both men, who are friends, were involved in drug trafficking to earn quick profits. They procured hashish oil from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, transported it through Hyderabad, and supplied buyers in Bengaluru, with Hyderabad serving as a transit hub.
Rachakonda Police Commissioner G. Sudheer Babu revealed that Krishna, from Alluri Sita Ramaraju District, Andhra Pradesh, currently absconding, is the main source of the hashish oil. Krishna, a childhood friend of Keshava, introduced him to the illegal trade with promises of significant financial gains. Jairam later joined the network through Krishna.
Keshava had previously been arrested in an NDPS case by the Anakapally Town Police in Andhra Pradesh.
The accused bought hashish oil at a low cost and sold it in Bengaluru for almost ten times the price. It is estimated that 35 to 40 kilograms of ganja are required to produce 1 kilogram of hashish oil.
Two days before their arrest, a Bengaluru-based buyer ordered 20 kilograms of hashish oil. The accused procured the consignment from Krishna at Hukumpeta, Alluri Sita Ramaraju District, and reached Hyderabad’s outskirts to finalize the sale.
