What is `dead drop' method used by drug cartels to supply cocaine in Hyderabad?

Hyderabad: EAGLE has busted an inter-state drug trafficking gang that was concealing cocaine in empty biscuit packets and supplying it through a `dead drop' method across isolated locations in the city.

Telangana's anti-narcotics wing arrested three people in Gachibowli and seized 15 grams of cocaine from their possession.

Drugs delivered via ‘Dead Drop’ strategy

According to investigators, the gang would stash cocaine inside discarded biscuit packets and leave them in deserted areas.

The exact location and photographs of the drop points were then shared with customers via WhatsApp. This method ensured there was no direct contact between the supplier and the buyer, helping the accused avoid detection.

After months of surveillance, EAGLE officials apprehended the accused on Monday within the limits of the Gachibowli police station.

Mastermind with a criminal network across states

The prime accused, Vegesna Muralikrishnam Raju, a native of West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, was residing in Kondapur.

A former engineering student who discontinued his studies due to financial difficulties, he reportedly took up temporary jobs in various states before turning to drug abuse and eventually drug peddling.

Police said he initially purchased cocaine in Manikonda at Rs 10,000 per gram and sold it for Rs 11,000. After his earlier supplier was arrested, he expanded his network, sourcing cocaine from contacts in Goa and Bengaluru, including a Nigerian national identified as Clifford.

He allegedly procured cocaine at Rs 7,000 per gram and sold it for as high as Rs 12,000 per gram.

Transported via private buses, payments through bank accounts

The investigation revealed that drugs were transported from Bengaluru through private travel buses. A driver of a private travel firm and a Rapido rider who delivered the contraband after arrival have also been named in the case.

To avoid financial tracking, Muralikrishnam Raju did not accept cash directly. Instead, he asked buyers to transfer money into bank accounts belonging to his friends.

Two of his associates, Rudraraju Hemam Raju of KPHB and Bhupatiraju Chiranjeevi of Kondapur, allegedly assisted in the distribution network. Police conducted searches at an apartment in Kondapur and arrested the trio. Drug test kits confirmed positive results.

15 consumers identified

Police have identified 15 customers who allegedly purchased drugs from the accused. Their phone numbers have been collected, and further investigation is underway to trace the extent of the network.

Officials stated that further arrests are likely as the probe continues into the broader inter-state supply chain.