Bus crew arrested in Hyderabad with 41 kg marijuana from Odisha

Three employees of a private bus service have been arrested by Hyderabad police for allegedly transporting 41.01 kg of marijuana, valued at approximately ₹20.5 lakh, from Odisha. The seizure took place on Saturday near Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park in Auto Nagar, following a tip-off.

Acting on specific intelligence, the Malakjgiri Narcotics Police, along with the Regional Narcotics Control Cell (RNCC), Khammam, of the EAGLE Force, intercepted a Baba Bholonath private travel bus on July 11. During a search, officers recovered two bags containing the contraband, which was allegedly smuggled from Odisha and destined for delivery in Hyderabad.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Laxman Kurami (22), a bus helper from Bejaguda in Malkangiri district, Odisha; Komala Khil (32), the driver from Koraput district; and Bubu Madakami (33), the bus conductor from Motu in Malkangiri district. Police said the trio confessed to colluding with an associate in Odisha to transport the contraband for a commission. The consignment was to be handed over to a contact arranged by the associate.

Further investigation has identified the alleged supplier as Nubin of Malkangiri and an unidentified receiver in Hyderabad, both of whom are currently absconding. In addition to the seized marijuana, police impounded the bus (registration number OD 30 H 2277) and four mobile phones. A case has been registered.

This seizure comes less than two months after the EAGLE Force intercepted another private bus, Bankeshwari Travels, travelling from Malkangiri to Hyderabad on May 21, and seized 21 kg of marijuana. Two drivers, a conductor, and a helper were arrested in that case, and the bus was impounded. This is the third instance in which bus crew members are alleged to have conspired with drug traffickers.