Eagle team arrests ganja smuggler linked to multiple cases

One arrested for smuggling ganja by the regional narcotics controls centre (RNCC) Khammam unit of the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) on Monday (March 2).

The accused, Surendra Khemudu alias Debdas Kilo alias Surendar alias Vivek, 36, a labourer from Rasabeda village in Malkangiri district of Odisha, was apprehended after remaining absconding for several months. He was subsequently handed over to the Manuguru Police in Bhadradri Kothagudem district for further legal proceedings.

According to officials, Surendra studied up to Class IV before taking up daily wage work and allegedly became involved in smuggling ganja. Police said he procured consignments from Odisha and supplied them in Telangana. His name had surfaced during the investigation of several earlier seizures.

He has been linked to eight cases registered between 2016 and 2025 at police stations including Bhadrachalam Town, Thukaram Gate in Hyderabad, Chitrakonda in Odisha, Paloncha Town, NTPS Ramagundam, Laxmidevipalli and Manuguru. The quantities involved in these cases ranged from 10 kg to 150 kg of ganja.

Officials stated that his arrest is expected to provide further leads into cross border trafficking networks operating between Odisha and Telangana. Further investigation is underway.

The EAGLE unit has appealed to citizens to report information relating to drug peddling, consumption or trafficking through its toll free number 1908, WhatsApp at 87126 71111 or by email to tsnabho-hyd@tspolice.gov.in. The identity of informants will be kept confidential, officials said.