Telangana Ganja Peddlers Adopt Mobility Strategy to Evade Police

Street-level ganja peddlers in Hyderabad and across Telangana are increasingly adopting a mobility strategy to evade law enforcement agencies following intensified crackdowns on major drug networks. Peddlers are now moving frequently between locations on two-wheelers and carrying only small quantities of the contraband.

Following sustained police action against major ganja smugglers and bulk dealers in the state, the retail network altered its modus operandi. Small quantities of the contraband are currently being sourced from places such as Nagpur, Odisha, Bidar, Nanded, Bihar, and other regions, and then distributed through a decentralised and highly mobile delivery system.

Under this method, sellers carry small packets on scooters, motorcycles, or inside handbags. Peddlers typically remain at a single location for only 15 to 20 minutes. After contacting known buyers via social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, they direct customers to a designated meeting spot. Once a few transactions are completed, they immediately move to another location, sometimes several kilometres away.

Sources indicated that some peddlers finish their entire operation within two to three hours, securing profits while lowering the risk of interception. To further obscure their activities, many operators maintain multiple social media accounts and regularly change their contact numbers and meeting spots.

Two small-time peddlers, speaking anonymously, confirmed that constant movement has become essential to the trade. They explained that they cannot remain in one spot for long, noting that they receive requests online, hand over packets, collect cash, and swiftly move after concluding a few transactions.

Police officials have also observed that women and young girls sometimes accompany peddlers during transit or while waiting in public places, an arrangement aimed at avoiding suspicion from authorities.

Law enforcement officers noted that while the disruption of major smuggling rings has broken traditional wholesale supply lines, the fragmentation into smaller, fast-moving consignments presents ongoing monitoring challenges across the state.