Live-in couple among four held in Chikkadpally for peddling synthetic drugs, narcotics

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW), in coordination with the Chikkadpally Police, arrested four persons, including a live-in couple, for allegedly peddling synthetic drugs and narcotics in the city.

A sizable cache of contraband was seized during the operation.

Multi-drug seizure

Police recovered a mix of high-end narcotics from the accused: 22 grams of hydroponic cannabis, 5 grams of MDMA, 5.5 grams of ecstasy pills and six LSD blots. Officials said the variety of drugs indicated organised trafficking rather than casual use.

Couple at the centre of racket

The prime accused were identified as Emmanuel, a private firm employee residing in Kondapur, and his partner Sushmita, a software engineer.

Investigators said the couple allegedly funded a lavish lifestyle through proceeds from drug sales. Of the four arrested, three are alleged peddlers while one is a consumer.

Supplier and local network

Another accused, Saikumar, is believed to be the key supplier and close associate of the couple, assisting in sourcing and distributing the narcotics within the city. Police suspect a wider local network catering to select customers.

Dark web and crypto payments

Preliminary inquiries revealed that the accused procured drugs through the dark web, using cryptocurrency for payments to avoid detection. The contraband was then sold locally through discreet channels, police said.

Booked under NDPS Act

All four have been booked under relevant sections of the NDPS Act.

Officials said further investigation is underway to trace upstream suppliers, financial trails and possible interstate or international links.