Two men arrested with 70 kg of ganja worth ₹35 lakh in Hyderabad

Two men were arrested with 70 kg of dry ganja valued at ₹35 lakh during a joint operation by the Commissioner’s Task Force, West Zone and SR Nagar police.

The accused were identified as Maniel Dalabhera, 30, a farmer from Anugur village in R. Udaygiri area of Gajapati district in Odisha, and Ismail Raita, 48, originally from Keredanga in Gajapati district, who was working in Rockwell Industries, Medchal. Police said Dalabhera cultivated the contraband, while Raita acted as a peddler in the city. Police said Dalabhera allegedly cultivated the contraband, while Raita acted as a peddler in the city.

Investigations revealed that Dalabhera, owing to financial hardship, began cultivating ganja on about half an acre of his father’s agricultural land in his native village, following a practice previously undertaken by elders in his family. He is said to have been assisted by his cousin, Rinita Raita.

Ismail Raita had moved to Hyderabad with his wife in November 2024 in search of employment due to insufficient income in his native village. While residing in Medchal, Rinita, during her visit at their residence, informed him about the cultivation of ganja in their village and suggested he sell it in Hyderabad. Police said he subsequently contacted potential buyers in the Dhoolpet area. Several customers later began purchasing dry ganja from him at Medchal on multiple occasions.

During the operation, officers seized 70 kg of dry ganja and two mobile phones.

A case was booked and further investigation is under way. Meanwhile, the police urged young people to stay away from drugs and warned of severe consequences of substance abuse, including damage to careers, health and families.