Hyderabad youngsters travel to Nagpur, Ajmer to procure ganja for quick profits

Hyderabad: Despite intensified crackdowns by the police and enforcement agencies, the illegal ganja trade continues to attract youngsters in Hyderabad, with several of them increasingly travelling to Nagpur and Ajmer to procure the contraband and make quick money.

What is particularly worrying is the growing involvement of people from economically weaker sections, including auto-rickshaw drivers and small-time businessmen, who are being drawn into the trade by the promise of huge profits.

Sources familiar with the illegal trade said some people were reportedly even mortgaging their vehicles to raise money for purchasing ganja, hoping to multiply their investments several times over.

“The profit margins, which can reportedly go up to 300 per cent, have encouraged youngsters, including those who were previously addicted to ganja, to turn suppliers. Some even take along family members or female friends while travelling to avoid attracting suspicion during their journeys,” a source said.

Trains, particularly AC coaches, are among the preferred modes of transport, while private buses are also being used. In recent times, the State Prohibition and Excise Task Force caught several individuals at Nampally and Dhoolpet who had allegedly sourced ganja from Nagpur.

An official of the Prohibition and Excise Department said, “Despite regular enforcement drives and seizures, the supply chain continues to operate because of the high profit margins.”

A Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force official said enforcement agencies were intensifying surveillance on suspected supply networks and local distribution points. “We are focusing not only on bulk suppliers but also on those involved in distributing the contraband in smaller quantities,” the official said.

Sources said ganja prices in the local market depended on quality, with better-grade stock fetching higher rates. In some areas, 10-gram packets are reportedly sold for Rs.500 to Rs.1,000.

Seasoned peddlers are also adopting a strategy to minimise losses in case of arrest. They reportedly procure two grades of ganja, keeping the inferior quality to hand over to the police if caught, while concealing the better-quality stock with associates.

The high-grade ganja is later sold, with the proceeds allegedly used to secure bail and meet legal expenses, sources said.