Hyderabad: Afzalgunj police arrest 2 Odisha drug couriers, seize 10.32 kg ganja near MGBS

Hyderabad: The Afzalgunj Police Station arrested two inter-state drug transporters and seized 10.32 kilograms of ganja during a special operation near the MGBS area.

A third accused, believed to be the main supplier from Odisha, is absconding. The case has been registered as Crime No. 71/2026 under Sections 8(c) r/w 20(b)(ii)(B) of the NDPS Act, 1985.

Accused used specially designed vests to smuggle Ganja

The arrested accused were identified as:

Ashish Shikdhar (60), native of Kalimela Block, Malkangiri district, Odisha

Bhima Jali (34), native of Ananthapalli Block, Malkangiri district, Odisha

Police said both were transporting ganja concealed in specially designed baniyans (vests) stitched with multiple hidden pockets. The packets were worn under shirts and jackets to avoid detection.

The absconding accused, Mouni (40), also from Malkangiri district, is believed to be the drug peddler who supplied the contraband and coordinated deliveries in Hyderabad.

₹2,000 per kg deal for Easy Money

According to police officials, the accused, who work as farmers and labourers in Odisha, were lured into drug transportation for easy earnings. Mouni reportedly offered them Rs 2,000 per kilogram for delivering bulk quantities of ganja to Hyderabad by bus.

On January 29, the duo successfully transported 6 kg of ganja to Hyderabad and delivered it to an unidentified receiver.

Encouraged by the first delivery, Mouni again handed over 10 kg of ganja along with Rs 5,000 in cash on February 13, asking them to deliver it near the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS). The receiver was known only to Mouni.

Arrest near MGBS after suspicious movement

The accused boarded an RTC bus from Palwancha and reached Hyderabad on February 13. However, due to a delay by the receiver, they stayed overnight on the roads near MGBS and were seen wandering suspiciously in the area.

Acting on surveillance and inputs from informants, Afzalgunj police apprehended the duo on February 14 at around 5:35 pm and seized: 10.32 kg of ganja, two specially designed vests used for concealment, two mobile phones, two jackets, and cash of Rs 2,380.

Police officials appreciated

The detection was carried out under the supervision of senior officers of the Golconda Zone.

Officials commended the efforts of the Afzalgunj police team, including the Station House Officer and investigation staff, for successfully busting the inter-state drug transportation attempt.

Police are now searching for the absconding supplier and investigating the wider drug network linked to the case.