Software Engineer Among Four Arrested for Drug Peddling in Hyderabad

In a crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW), in collaboration with Chikkadpally police, has arrested four individuals, including a 21-year-old female softwareengineer, for operating an organised drug network.

The accused have been identified as Chodavarapu Susmitha Devi alias Lilly, 21, a software professional; her live-in partner Ummidi Immanuel, 25, an event manager and the primary suspect; Gorla Sai Kumar, 28, a delivery rider; and Talabattula Taraka Laxmikanth Ayyappa, 24, an alleged consumer.

Authorities seized a substantial haul of contraband during the operation, including 22 grams of hydroponic ganja (also known as OG), approximately 5 grams of MDMA, 5.57 grams of ecstasy pills, and six LSD blots. The seized drugs are estimated to be worth around Rs 3 lakh on the black market. Additionally, police recovered Rs 50,000 in cash and four mobile phones.

Investigations indicate that Immanuel, who has prior involvement in multiple NDPS and criminal cases across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, procured the narcotics from various suppliers, including through the dark web using the Tor browser. Transactions were allegedly disguised by routing payments via cryptocurrency platforms like Binance and Trust Wallet.

Susmitha Devi is accused of playing a key role in the operation, handling financial transactions, managing proceeds deposited into her bank account, and overseeing distribution in Immanuel's absence. Sai Kumar assisted as a local courier and distributor, while Ayyappa was identified as a consumer linked to the network.

The group reportedly received shipments via courier services and sold the drugs at inflated prices to customers across the city.

Cases have been registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The probe continues to trace additional suppliers and connections in the syndicate.

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