18-07-2025
Three held in Bowenpally for trafficking opium from Rajasthan to Hyderabad
Three interstate drug peddlers were apprehended by the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) on Friday for smuggling opium from Rajasthan to Hyderabad. Officials seized 3.25 kg of the contraband, two vehicles and four mobile phones from their possession during a raid in Bowenpally.
The accused were identified as Savlaram Bishnoi, 43, Hapuram Bishnoi, 38, and Lalaram Bishnoi, 41, all natives of the Jalore district in Rajasthan.
'The prime accused, Savlaram, has reportedly been running the racket with his brother for over a decade, targeting members of the Rajasthani community settled in Hyderabad by pushing false claims that opium boosts strength, vitality, and sexual health,' explained an officer from EAGLE.
According to him, a tip-off received over 45 days ago led to an intensive technical surveillance effort, which eventually tracked a consignment leaving Bhinmal in Rajasthan in an SUV. Officials later identified another SUV being used as a pilot vehicle. On July 18, both vehicles were intercepted in Bowenpally, where the accused were waiting to deliver the drugs to local customers.
'Opium abuse has led many into addiction, poor health, and financial ruin. This gang exploits migrants from their home region with pseudo-medicinal claims to sell addictive substances,' explained the officer.
The investigation revealed that Savlaram had previously worked as a welder in Hyderabad and began drug peddling when his agricultural income proved insufficient. His brother Gangaram was arrested in 2019 by the Bowenpally police in a similar case. Since then, he has been helping Savlaram operate from Rajasthan. Hapuram, a relative, had joined the operation recently after being promised a commission. Lalaram, who runs a welding shop in Adilabad, has been helping in storage and logistics.
EAGLE said the gang earned up to ₹4 lakh per kg of opium sold. The seized consignment, worth around ₹17 lakh, had been handed over to the authorities for further action.
