Odisha-Hyderabad marijuana supply chain busted, two inter-state drug peddlers arrested

The Special Operations Team (SOT) in LB Nagar Zone, along with Nagole police, arrested two inter-state drug peddlers in connection with a marijuana supply chain from Odisha to Hyderabad. The duo, Trinath Nirike, 40, and Sona Hunthal, 28, were identified as drivers from Koraput district in Odisha. Police seized 23.02 kgs of marijuana worth ₹11.51 lakh, allegedly being transported to Hyderabad for sale.

The arrest occurred on August 11 after police intercepted two vehicles during a routine check at a petrol station near Nagole X Road. Authorities claim the accused were friends who had planned to supply marijuana due to financial problems and had brought the contraband to Hyderabad. The vehicles, a Toyota Innova and a Mahindra XUV 300, were seized along with two mobile phones.

Four packets of marijuana were recovered from the boot of the Innova, while two packets were found in the boot of the XUV 300. The alleged supplier, Kammu, a resident of Lamtaput, is still at large, and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the supply chain. The investigation is ongoing.