In a major crackdown, Hyderabad police intercepted a drug smuggling ring, seizing 12 kg of hashish oil valued at ₹1.5 crore. The arrests include a woman and two minors used as carriers.

  • 12 kg of high-grade hashish oil worth ₹1.5 crore recovered.
  • Smuggling route identified from Alluri Sitharama Raju district (AP) to Bengaluru via Hyderabad.
  • Six suspects arrested, including one woman and two children in conflict with law (CCLs).
  • Contraband was taped to the suspects' legs and stomachs to evade detection.

The Special Operations Team (SOT) of the L.B. Nagar zone, in a coordinated strike with the Vanasthalipuram police, has dismantled a narcotics transport cell in Hyderabad. On Monday, August 17, 2026, officials apprehended six individuals and seized a significant quantity of hashish oil, marking a major victory in the city's fight against drug trafficking.

Acting on precise intelligence, police intercepted the group near Chinthalkunta in Vanasthalipuram. The suspects were allegedly transporting the contraband from the Alluri Sitharama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh, destined for the high-demand markets of Bengaluru.

The investigation revealed a shocking method of concealment. Four of the carriers, including two minors, had bound 1 kg packets of hashish oil to their bodies using brown adhesive tape. Each carrier had one packet taped to each leg and one to their stomach, totaling 12 kg. Along with the drugs, police recovered five mobile phones and ₹5,000 in cash.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the recruitment of unemployed tribal youth as 'mules' highlights a systemic vulnerability being exploited by drug lords. The use of adhesive tape to bind drugs to the body suggests an evolution in smuggling tactics designed to bypass routine security checkpoints.

"The involvement of minors in high-value narcotics trafficking indicates a disturbing trend where organized crime syndicates are targeting the most vulnerable strata of society."

The kingpins of the local operation have been identified as 25-year-old Gemmeli Srinu and his wife, Nibiya K.B. Records indicate that Srinu is a repeat offender with previous arrests under the NDPS Act in Narsipatnam and Adavi Annavaram. Following his release from prison, he allegedly resumed his criminal activities.

Malkajgiri Police Commissioner B. Sumathi stated that Srinu and Nibiya lured unemployed tribal youth from neighboring villages with monetary incentives. For this specific consignment, a Bengaluru-based resident named Sijo had allegedly promised a payment of ₹10 lakh upon successful delivery.

While the carriers have been neutralized, the primary supplier, identified as Krishna from Chintapalli, and the receiver, Sijo, remain at large. Police have launched a manhunt to track these absconding suspects and map the wider supply chain.

Did You Know?: Hashish oil is a potent concentrate derived from cannabis, containing significantly higher THC levels than traditional resin or flower, making it highly lucrative and dangerous.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How did the smugglers hide the hashish oil?
They used brown adhesive tape to secure 1 kg packets to their legs and stomachs, effectively turning their bodies into concealment vessels.

2. Who were the main organizers of this operation?
The operation was allegedly organized by Gemmeli Srinu and his wife, Nibiya K.B., in collaboration with suppliers in Andhra Pradesh and receivers in Bengaluru.