Hyderabad: HNEW busts MDMA network; 3 held, 11 grams of drugs worth Rs 4.65L seized

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (HNEW), in coordination with Masab Tank police, busted a local MDMA distribution network and arrested three peddlers, including the main accused.

The joint operation led to the seizure of 11 grams of MDMA, two vehicles, and other incriminating material, collectively valued at Rs 4.65 lakh.

Intelligence-led joint operation

Based on credible information, the HNEW team, along with the Masab Tank police, conducted a targeted operation on December 12, resulting in the apprehension of three persons involved in the procurement and sale of MDMA in Hyderabad.

The accused were identified as Upputuri Kartheek alias Kartheek alias Alex (37), Chirumamilla Balaji (32), and Tandra Deepak (29).

Seizures and Legal Action

Police recovered 11 grams of MDMA, three mobile phones, a two-wheeler, and a four-wheeler from the possession of the accused. A case has been registered as Crime No. 317/2025 at Masab Tank police station under Sections 8(c), 22(c), and 27(a) of the NDPS Act, read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Kingpin tracked to Bengaluru supply

Investigations revealed that Upputuri Kartheek, a native of Prakasam district, dropped out of studies due to financial difficulties and suffered losses in multiple business ventures. Facing unemployment and economic stress, he allegedly established links with absconding drug suppliers in Bengaluru.

Kartheek is said to have frequently travelled to Bengaluru, procured MDMA in bulk, repacked it into one-gram sachets, and supplied the drug across Hyderabad under the alias “Alex”.

Repeat offender and sub-peddler network

Chirumamilla Balaji, a B.Sc. graduate and resident of Neredmet, was previously booked in an NDPS case at Amberpet police station for MDMA peddling.

After his release, he allegedly resumed the illegal trade to sustain a lavish lifestyle, procuring MDMA from Kartheek and selling it at inflated prices. Balaji is also accused of introducing Tandra Deepak, a regular MDMA consumer, into the supply chain.

From Consumer to Seller

Tandra Deepak, a B.Tech (Civil) student employed as a technical support executive, initially consumed MDMA and later turned a sub-peddler. Police said he procured the drug from Balaji and sold it to known consumers to earn quick money.

Modus Operandi

Police said the trio operated through a structured supply chain. Kartheek sourced MDMA from outside the State, Balaji acted as the local distributor, and Deepak functioned as a sub-peddler catering to select customers. The racket was fuelled by substance abuse, financial stress, and the lure of easy profits.

Appeal against Drug Abuse

Warning that drug addiction is increasingly affecting educated youth, HNEW officials appealed to parents to closely monitor their children’s activities. Citizens were urged to report information related to drug abuse to the HNEW helpline 8712661601.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath, Task Force/HNEW, said the department remains committed to dismantling narcotics networks and ensuring a drug-free Hyderabad.