iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Three men, including an Indian-American national, were arrested by the Prohibition and Excise Department’s Special Task Force (STF) in Hyderabad for allegedly possessing 33 grams of cocaine, reports said.
The arrests followed a targeted operation after the suspects returned from a drug-sourcing trip to Bengaluru. A fourth accused, identified as Mohammed Azharuddin from Bengaluru, remains at large.
Those taken into custody were identified as Misbahuddin Khan, a resident of Ramkote; Ali Asgar Gulabi, a private employee from Banjara Hills Road No. 13; and Zubair Ali, an Indian-American whose family owns a home on Banjara Hills Road No. 5. Officials said that Zubair had arrived in India roughly six weeks ago from the United States, where his family operates a business.
According to the STF, the three men traveled together to Bengaluru, where they met Azharuddin, who supplied them with the narcotics.
Upon their return to Hyderabad, the team intercepted them and seized the drugs. In total, authorities recovered 33 grams of cocaine, four mobile phones, and a vehicle believed to have been used in the transport of the substance.
Investigators say Misbahuddin, a businessman, and Ali Asgar, a private sector employee, were both reportedly using drugs and had previously traveled to Bengaluru, where they became acquainted with the supplier.
This trip, however, marked the first time they had allegedly returned with narcotics. Zubair, who officials believe was not previously involved in such activity, is said to have provided his car for the trip and traveled with the other two.
Zubair’s connection to the group goes back several years, officials said, when he lived in India for a period and completed his graduation. During that time, he reportedly became friends with Misbahuddin, who was a classmate.
This is the first time any of the three men have been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Authorities are continuing their search for Azharuddin, who is believed to have supplied the cocaine and has been linked to similar activities in the past.
The case adds to growing concerns about drug trafficking routes between Bengaluru and Hyderabad, and officials say further investigations are underway.
Photo courtesy: www.freepik.com
