Bangladeshi woman and partner arrested for synthetic drug trafficking in Hyderabad

A 30-year-old Bangladeshi woman and her 35-year-old live-in partner involved in the trafficking of synthetic drugs have been arrested in Hyderabad. The Telangana EAGLE Force and Raidurgam police conducted the operation by raiding their residence in Pochamma Basti, located in the Sheikhpet area. During the operation, police seized one gram of synthetic drugs and two mobile phones.

The arrested accused have been identified as Alpha (name changed), a native of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Shyam Rao, a private employee. According to a report by The Hindu, an EAGLE Force officer stated that Alpha had been staying here since arriving in India on a tourist visa in December 2021, and had become involved in prostitution and drug trafficking. An investigation is underway to locate a supplier named Akash, based in Goa, who is currently absconding in this case.

The officer further explained that Alpha had lost her job in the garment industry during the Covid pandemic and had come to India in search of employment due to financial difficulties. Failing to find work, she contacted a person named Noor from Uttar Pradesh, whom she had met on Facebook. Noor lured her into prostitution with the promise of higher earnings. Subsequently, she contacted brokers including Rahul from Chennai and Jai and JK from Hyderabad, who would arrange customers and share contact details. These brokers used to pay her once a week. Through this activity, she travelled to cities such as Nagpur, Kanpur, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Goa, and Mumbai, earning approximately ₹75,000 per month.

In 2021, Alpha met Hyderabad-based software employee Shyam Rao, who was initially one of her clients. Their relationship developed thereafter, and they began living together from 2022. Shyam Rao had also visited Bangladesh to meet her and her parents. According to the police, upon learning of this relationship, Shyam Rao's wife decided to separate from him. While living with Shyam Rao, Alpha would also meet other clients during her office hours.

According to the police, Alpha became addicted to synthetic drugs after some clients encouraged her to take drugs before meetings. She subsequently came into contact with Akash, based in Goa, from whom she regularly procured drugs. This supplier used 'dead drops' to deliver drugs in Goa and Hyderabad. Investigators stated that Alpha had started supplying drugs to her acquaintances and clients, thereby expanding her network. Shyam Rao also became addicted to synthetic drugs while living with her.

To hide her identity and continue living in India, Alpha had created fake Aadhaar and PAN cards in the name of Zia Shyama Rao. She also used this fake identity to open a bank account, which was used to purchase drugs from Akash and to deposit money earned from her activities. Based on information that Alpha had returned from Goa with drugs, the EAGLE Force and Raidurgam police raided her house and apprehended both. Further investigation is currently underway to apprehend Akash and to probe the drug supply network.