The accused duo who were arrested during a joint operation by the Commissioner’s Task Force, West Zone and SR Nagar police. | Photo credit: By arrangement
Two men were arrested with 70 kg of dry ganja worth ₹ 35 lakh during a joint operation by the Commissioner’s Task Force, West Zone and SR Nagar police.
The accused have been identified as Maniel Dalabhera, 30, a farmer of Anugur village in R. Udaygiri area of Gajapati district in Orissa, and Ismail Raita, 48, originally from Keredanga in Gajapati district, who worked at Rockwell Industries, Medchal. Police said Dalabhera nurtured the contraband business, while Raita operated as a peddler in the city. Police said Dalabhera allegedly cultivated the contraband business while Raita operated as a peddler in the city.
Investigations revealed that due to financial difficulties, Dalabhera started growing ganja on about half an acre of his father’s agricultural land in his native village, following a practice previously carried out by the elders in his family. It is said that he was assisted by his cousin Rinita Raita.
Ismail Raita moved to Hyderabad with his wife in November 2024 in search of employment due to insufficient income in his native village. While in Medchal, Rinita during her visit to their residence informed him about the cultivation of ganja in their village and suggested him to sell it in Hyderabad. Police said he subsequently contacted potential buyers in the Dhoolpet area. Several customers later started buying dry ganja from him in Medchal on several occasions.
During the raid, the police seized 70 kg of dry ganja and two mobile phones.
A case has been filed and further investigation is underway. Meanwhile, police urged young people to stay away from drugs and warned of serious consequences of substance abuse, including damage to careers, health and families.
Published – 11 Feb 2026 18:57 IST