Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (HNEW), in a joint operation with Masabtank Police, has arrested a local MDMA peddler and two sub-peddlers, seizing 11 grams of the drug, three mobile phones, a two-wheeler (TS08JH1844), a four-wheeler (TS09FB5191), and cash worth Rs 4,65,000.

The main accused, Upputuri Kartheek (37), alias Alex, from Pernamitta, Prakasam district, reportedly turned to MDMA peddling after business failures and financial stress. Kartheek procured MDMA from Bengaluru, repacked it into 1-gram sachets, and sold it across Hyderabad for profit.

Chirumamilla Balaji (32) of Neredmet, previously involved in MDMA cases, purchased the drug from Kartheek and resold it to sustain a lavish lifestyle. Tandra Deepak (29), a B.Tech graduate and technical support executive from Jeedimetla, initially a consumer, later joined as a sub-peddler, selling the drug to known users. HNEW described the trio’s operation as a well-organized chain: Kartheek sourced the drug, Balaji redistributed it, and Deepak sold it at a markup.

HNEW appealed to the public to stay vigilant against drug abuse, highlighting that even educated, employed individuals can fall into addiction. Parents are urged to monitor their children, and anyone with information on drug activities can contact HNEW at 8712661601.

The arrests were made under Crime No. 317/2025 U/Sec 8(c), 22(c), 27(a) of the NDPS Act by Inspector S. Bala Swamy, SI B. Manoj Kumar, and Masabtank PS staff.