On Monday, August 24, 2026, Kankipadu police apprehended seven students accused of trading stolen bicycles for marijuana across the Visakhapatnam Agency area and the Andhra‑Odisha Border (AOB). The suspects, hailing from Punadipadu village and nearby localities, were studying in first or second year degree programs or intermediate courses.

Deputy Superintendent of Police K. Dharmendra explained that the modus operandi involved visiting tribal villages under the pretext of picnics and offering a stolen bike worth roughly ₹1.5 lakh for every 5 kg of ganja. The stolen bikes were sourced from various locations in Krishna, East Godavari and surrounding districts.

Circle Inspector B. Ravi Kumar noted that the accused presented the bikes to a supplier, consumed part of the contraband with friends, and planned to sell the remainder. The police seized four bicycles, about 7 kg of ganja, and multiple mobile phones. The gang repeatedly told their parents they were traveling to Araku for leisure trips while actually procuring cannabis.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that student‑driven narcotics networks threaten campus safety and can accelerate drug penetration into rural communities. This case underscores the urgent need for schools, parents, and local authorities to monitor youth movements and financial flows more closely.

"When students become middlemen in drug trade, it erodes societal trust and calls for immediate policy intervention," says crime analyst Dr. Ajay Singh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Has the main drug supplier been identified?
A: Authorities are still pursuing leads and have not yet pinpointed the primary supplier.

Q2: Are the accused still enrolled in their studies?
A: Yes, all seven individuals are currently enrolled in either degree or intermediate programs.