In a significant operation against narcotics in Hyderabad, the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) has successfully dismantled a sophisticated international drug trafficking network. This network involved an engineering graduate and entrepreneur, with cocaine cleverly concealed in sandal heels. The crackdown has led to the identification of 25 suspects and the arrest of a prominent hotel entrepreneur along with five others. The investigation revealed connections between Nigerian drug suppliers, upscale pubs in Hyderabad, and intricate courier routes involving professionals from various sectors such as technology, healthcare, real estate, and the food and beverage industry.

The central figure in this operation is 34-year-old Surya Annamaneni, an engineering and MBA graduate residing in Kompally. Annamaneni owns the ‘Malnadu Kitchen’ restaurant and was apprehended near his establishment. A search of his vehicle uncovered a stash of narcotics, including 10 grams of cocaine, 3.2 grams of OG Kush (Ganja), and 1.6 grams of Ecstasy pills. The cocaine was ingeniously hidden in the heel compartment of a woman’s sandals, packed in a pink cardboard box, and shipped from Delhi under the alias ‘Fatima’. This method highlights the increasing sophistication of drug syndicates aiming to evade law enforcement.

Annamaneni’s arrest has exposed a troubling trend of drug consumption and distribution among Hyderabad’s affluent circles, facilitated by digital financial transactions and innovative concealment techniques. His confession revealed a vast network of suppliers across Himayatnagar, Karimnagar, and Khajaguda. More alarmingly, he disclosed dealings with Nigerian traffickers operating from Delhi, Bangalore, and Goa.

Financial transactions amounting to Rs 1.39 lakh through “Ternion Hospitality” and Rs 41,000 via ATM were traced to Nigerian national Nick’s accounts in Canara Bank and HDFC Bank. In exchange, cocaine and MDMA were dispatched via courier disguised within household items for distribution from Annamaneni’s car or restaurant.

The investigation has also implicated several upscale Hyderabad pubs like Prism Pub, Farm Pub, Block 22, Bird Box, Xora, Broadway, and Quake Arena. Annamaneni admitted to consuming drugs in these establishments’ concealed areas, raising concerns about their role in facilitating drug use. He also confessed to trips to Goa and New Delhi for procuring drugs from Nigerian suppliers.

The consumer list spans various professionals including techies, doctors, gym partners, and pub directors, indicating widespread narcotic penetration across societal strata. EAGLE has meticulously documented all seizures under the NDPS Act. A case has been registered against Annamaneni who is now in judicial custody.

The ongoing investigation aims to trace financial flows, unravel courier networks, uncover digital footprints, and determine the precise involvement of pubs and other establishments. This case underscores the evolving nature of drug networks in urban India where educated individuals leverage tech-savvy payment methods within sophisticated environments to facilitate high-value trafficking.