Drug supplier and peddler nabbed; MDMA, marijuana seized

An interstate drug supplier and a local peddler were arrested by the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW), along with Domalguda police, on Wednesday. Narcotics and other items worth ₹7.3 lakh were seized from them.

The accused were identified as Nikhil S., 19, a student from Bengaluru, and Raghavendra Rao, 27, a private employee from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Police seized 12.57 grams of MDMA, 305 grams of marijuana, a four-wheeler, three mobile phones, ₹1,080 cash and empty packing sachets.

“Raghavendra, originally from Machilipatnam, ran a medical agency that collapsed due to business losses. To recover the money, he turned to drug trade, initially selling marijuana procured from Sileru, Andhra Pradesh. He was arrested in 2023 with 7 kg marijuana and spent 11 months in jail. Since then, he has been booked in five more NDPS cases across Andhra Pradesh,” police said.

Later, he allegedly expanded his MDMA business to fund his drug use and lifestyle. He sourced the substance from Nikhil, whom he met on Instagram. “Nikhil, currently pursuing a BCA in Bengaluru, had developed a habit of using MDMA with friends and connected with Nigerian suppliers through the ‘dead drop’ method, with payments routed via UPI. He then supplied MDMA to local peddlers like Raghavendra at higher prices,” police said.

The arrests were made following credible information. The accused were booked under Sections 8(c), 22(c), and 20(b)(ii)(B) of the NDPS Act, 1985.

The public have been asked to report information on drug abuse to the H-NEW helpline at 8712661601.