Police from the Malkangiri Narcotics Division, aided by the Regional Narcotics Control Cell (RNCC) of Khammam and the elite Eagle Force, intercepted a private travel bus near Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park in Auto Nagar, Hyderabad, on July 11. The raid uncovered two sealed bags containing 41.01 kilograms of marijuana that had been trafficked from Odisha.

Details of the Seizure

Acting on specific intelligence, officers stopped the Baba Bholonath private travel bus and recovered the contraband, which was slated for delivery to a contact in Hyderabad. The operation showcases the coordinated effort between state narcotics units and the centralised anti‑drug task force.

Arrested Individuals

The three men identified were Laxman Kurami, a 22‑year‑old bus helper from Bejaguda, Malkangiri district; Komala Khil, a 32‑year‑old driver from Koraput district; and Bubu Madakami, a 33‑year‑old conductor from Motu, Malkangiri. All three confessed to colluding with an associate from Odisha to transport the drugs in exchange for a commission.

Investigation and Legal Action

Further probing linked the supply chain to a presumed supplier named Nubin from Malkangiri and an unidentified recipient in Hyderabad, both of whom remain at large. In addition to the marijuana, police seized the bus (registration OD 30 H 2277) and four mobile phones. A formal case has been lodged, and the accused are now facing narcotics charges.

Pattern of Bus‑Based Drug Trafficking

This seizure follows a similar operation on May 21, when Eagle Force intercepted the Bankeshwari Travels bus traveling from Malkangiri to Hyderabad and confiscated 21 kg of marijuana. That earlier bust also resulted in the arrest of two drivers, a conductor, and a helper. The recurrence underscores a growing trend of using private passenger buses as a conduit for large‑scale drug shipments, prompting law‑enforcement agencies to tighten surveillance on inter‑state transport routes.