Hyderabad: In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking, the Special Operations Team (SOT) Shamshabad and Shadnagar Police jointly apprehended a drug peddler in possession of narcotic substances worth over Rs 3 crore on the international market.
The accused was arrested near Sanju Bhai Marwadi Dhaba, near Raikal Toll Gate on NH-44 under Shadnagar police station limits.
Case details
Disclosing the case details before the media at his office here on Friday, Cyberabad Commissioner of Police Avinash Mohanty said that based on credible intelligence, the joint operation led to the arrest of Vikas Sohu, a 26-year-old cooking master working at the dhaba.
Authorities recovered a large cache of drugs, including 1.5 kg of heroin, 632 grams of opium, 2.8 kg of poppy straw, and 1 kg of ganja, along with Rs 89,700 in cash, a digital weighing machine, poly covers, and three mobile phones.
The total value of the seized property is estimated at Rs 3,05,27,700.
Drug network uncovered
Investigations revealed that Vikas, a native of Moulasar village in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, had been working at the dhaba since 2019. Initially hired as a watchman, he gradually took on cooking duties and eventually became involved in drug peddling, allegedly under the influence of the dhaba owner, Sanju Bhai, who had a known habit of smoking and selling ganja.
In 2022, both Vikas and Sanju Bhai were arrested by Jadcherla Police for selling ganja near the local bus stand. Despite their arrest, they resumed their illicit trade upon release. After Sanju Bhai’s death in April 2025, Vikas continued the operation independently.
Sources and Modus Operandi
The CP said that Vikas sourced narcotics from multiple suppliers, including Salim, a resident of Dhoolpet (Ganja supplier), Raju, a resident of Jalpally, Maheshwaram (Ganja supplier) and Ganpath, from Madhya Pradesh (Supplier of heroin, opium, and poppy straw).
He sold heroin at Rs 15,000 per gram after purchasing it for Rs 12,000, opium at Rs 2,000 per 10 grams (purchase price Rs 1,300), and poppy straw at three times its cost price. These substances were mostly sold to truck drivers, interstate travellers, and customers at the dhaba.
The case has been registered under Cr. No. 541/2025, invoking multiple sections of the NDPS Act: 8(C) read with 17(b), 18(b), 20(b)(ii)(A), 21(C), and 29. The investigation is currently being handled by the Shadnagar Police.
Police advisory
Citizens are urged to report any drug-related information to the police via Dial 100 or the Cyberabad WhatsApp number: 9490617444. Educational institutions have been advised to monitor student behaviour and alert police to any suspicious activities. All identities will be kept confidential.
