Alina
Hyderabad Drug Bust Exposes Student Nexus
Introduction: A Shocking Discovery at Mahindra University
Hyderabad, often celebrated for its booming IT sector and educational institutions, has been shaken by the exposure of a drug nexus involving students of Mahindra University. In a meticulously planned raid, the Telangana Police Narcotics Wing, under the ‘EAGLE’ unit, unearthed a disturbing reality where more than 50 students are now under the scanner for drug consumption and procurement.
The bust revealed the involvement of students in acquiring, distributing, and consuming banned substances like ganja, OG weed, and even MDMA, with the supply chain extending beyond state borders. The seizure included 1.15 kilograms of ganja and 47 grams of OG weed, highlighting the magnitude of the operation.
The Four Accused Behind the Supply Network
The police arrested four individuals believed to be central to the drug supply to students:
-
Neveille Tongbram (21) – A native of Manipur who acted as a contact point for distribution.
-
Ambati Ganesh (24) – Accused of repackaging bulk consignments into smaller packets for campus-level sales.
-
Boosa Shiva Kumar (26) – Managed a steady supply chain from Bidar, Karnataka to Hyderabad.
-
Mohd Ashar Jawed Khan (21) – A student at Mahindra University, responsible for maintaining lists of student consumers.
Police sources revealed that Ashar’s role was crucial in keeping the circle tightly knit by identifying which students were willing to purchase and consume the drugs.
How the Drug Network Operated
The accused adopted sophisticated methods to run their operations undetected.
-
Procurement of Supply
-
High-grade OG weed was sourced from suppliers Arvind Sharma and Aneel Soibam.
-
Drugs were shipped to Hyderabad using DTDC courier services, hidden inside everyday goods.
-
Payments were made through UPI transactions, reducing the risk of traceable cash exchanges.
-
-
Supply Chain within Hyderabad
-
Boosa Shiva transported consignments personally from Bidar.
-
Once in Hyderabad, the consignments were handed over to Ambati Ganesh, who repackaged the drugs into smaller packets.
-
The packets, typically 28 grams costing ₹30,000, were sold at ₹2,500 per packet to students.
-
-
Distribution at the University
-
Packets were distributed in hostels and private gatherings.
-
Neville and Ashar acted as intermediaries, ensuring only known circles were involved to avoid detection.
-
Ashar maintained a database of student consumers, ensuring steady sales.
-
Involvement of More Students and MDMA Angle
The investigation further revealed that students Dinesh and Bhaskar, both pursuing BBA at Mahindra University, had established contacts with a Nigerian national known only as ‘Nick’. Through him, they reportedly received MDMA consignments via courier services.
This suggests the existence of multiple drug pipelines targeting Hyderabad students, with OG weed and ganja being only part of a wider narcotics supply chain.
University’s Anti-Drug Committee Under Fire
The role of Mahindra University’s anti-drug committee has come under intense scrutiny. Investigations found that:
-
The committee failed to inform the police about suspicious activities, even after internal red flags.
-
No regular hostel checks were conducted to prevent the inflow of banned substances.
-
Lack of awareness programs allowed the network to flourish unchecked.
This negligence has raised questions about the effectiveness of such committees in private universities, where drug use among students is increasingly becoming a concern.
Telangana Police’s ‘EAGLE’ Unit and Crackdown
The bust was led by Director of EAGLE, Sandeep Shandilya, who detailed the modus operandi during press interactions. According to him, the sophistication of concealment methods and the steady cash flow from affluent students enabled the network to grow undetected.
He stressed that the police are committed to dismantling such student-focused drug cartels, adding:
-
Regular raids and checks will continue in educational hubs across Hyderabad.
-
Courier services are being monitored for concealed drug consignments.
-
Parents and institutions are being urged to remain vigilant about sudden changes in student behavior.
Why OG Weed Is a Cause of Concern
Among the substances seized, OG weed (a high-grade variety of cannabis) has raised alarm bells. Known for its potency and high market demand, OG weed fetches significantly higher prices than regular ganja.
In Hyderabad’s student circles, it has become a status symbol at parties and private gatherings. The seizure of 47 grams alongside larger ganja consignments confirms its growing popularity among youth, despite strict anti-narcotic laws.
The Larger Picture: Hyderabad’s Battle Against Drugs
Hyderabad has witnessed an alarming rise in drug-related cases over the past five years. Authorities report that student communities, particularly in universities and private colleges, are being increasingly targeted by drug peddlers.
Key concerns:
-
Accessibility: Students with financial means are easily able to purchase high-grade drugs.
-
Courier Services: Growing reliance on courier firms has made detection difficult.
-
Digital Payments: Use of UPI transactions complicates tracking of money trails.
This case is not just about Mahindra University but part of a larger ecosystem where drug cartels see students as a lucrative consumer base.
Impact on Students and Families
For families, the news has come as a devastating blow. Parents who believed their children were safe within the confines of a reputed university are now grappling with the possibility that their wards may be implicated in narcotic use.
Some parents have voiced concerns about the lack of regular counselling sessions in universities that could help students resist peer pressure and unhealthy indulgences. Others have called for stringent monitoring of private gatherings on campuses.
Legal Consequences for Students
According to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), those found guilty of possession or consumption face:
-
Imprisonment ranging from six months to 10 years, depending on the quantity and type of drug.
-
Rehabilitation requirements for first-time offenders, especially students.
-
Criminal records that may jeopardize careers and future opportunities.
While police sources indicate that the primary focus will remain on the suppliers, students found consuming may still face legal action. Authorities are also considering rehabilitation programs for those willing to cooperate.
Need for Collective Responsibility
Experts believe that addressing student drug abuse requires a three-pronged approach:
-
Law Enforcement – Stronger crackdowns on supply networks.
-
Educational Institutions – Regular checks, awareness drives, and counselling support.
-
Parents and Guardians – Open conversations with children about stress, peer pressure, and healthy alternatives.
Without collective responsibility, isolated busts may not stop the cycle of demand and supply.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Hyderabad
The Mahindra University drug bust is more than just another crime report—it is a wake-up call for Hyderabad and its educational ecosystem. With 50 students under probe, the scandal highlights how vulnerable student communities are to drug cartels and how negligence from institutions can worsen the problem.
As police continue their investigation, this case could set a precedent for how universities across Telangana and India must tackle the growing menace of drugs.
The central question remains: How do we protect students from becoming both consumers and carriers in a dangerous narcotics network?
The answer will require not only strict policing but also a fundamental shift in how institutions, families, and society address the pressures faced by today’s youth.
