Officers seized a mixer grinder with two jars, two weighing machines, a strainer, two mobile phones and a two-wheeler used in the transportation of the narcotics.
In a joint operation, the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) and Amberpet police arrested a drug peddler and seized 21 kilograms of poppy husk, along with various drug-processing equipment from him on Tuesday (August 5).
The accused, identified as 44-year-old Mangala Ram, a native of Barmer district in Rajasthan, had settled in Chengicherla, Hyderabad, where he was working as a welder alongside his brother-in-law.
Originally from a farming background, Mangala Ram became addicted to poppy husk while still living in his native village. Unable to support his addiction on a modest income, he turned to illegal trade, sourcing poppy husk from Rajasthan at a cheaper rate and selling it at a profit to customers in Hyderabad.
Officers seized 21 kilograms of poppy husk, a mixer grinder with two jars, two weighing machines, a strainer, two mobile phones and a two-wheeler used in the transportation of the narcotics. The total value of the seized materials is estimated to be ₹3.5 lakh.
According to officials, the accused was intercepted while attempting to sell the contraband to potential buyers. His method involved discreetly transporting the substance from Rajasthan and targeting habitual users in Hyderabad to build a local customer base.
Further investigation is underway.
Published – August 05, 2025 06:40 PM is
