Hyderabad police bust Mumbai-to-Hyderabad mephedrone trafficking ring, two arrested

Updated - July 27, 2026 08:48 pm IST — HYDERABAD

By The Hindu Bureau

A mephedrone consignment allegedly transported from Mumbai to Hyderabad by bus was intercepted moments before it could be delivered to a local contact. The Telangana EAGLE Force and the Ramgopalpet police arrested two persons near Paradise Circle on Friday.

The Accused

• Riya Khatoon, 32, a resident of Malad West, Mumbai
• Ajith Sankhla, 43, a freelance video editor residing at Alwyn Colony, Hyderabad

They were allegedly found in possession of four grams of mephedrone valued at approximately ₹12,000. Two mobile phones were also seized.

How the Arrests Unfolded

According to the police, the Hyderabad Narcotics Police Station of the EAGLE Force received specific information about a drug delivery scheduled near a private hospital at Paradise Circle on July 25. A surveillance team, working in coordination with the Ramgopalpet police, intercepted the duo before the alleged handover could take place.

Investigators said Riya had travelled from Mumbai to Hyderabad by bus carrying the contraband. After reaching Kukatpally, she hired an autorickshaw to Paradise Circle, where Ajith was waiting to receive the drug. Police said Ajith had also booked a room for her at a hotel in Secunderabad after the delivery.

“During the questioning, Riya allegedly produced a beige pouch from her backpack containing four zip-lock packets filled with white crystalline powder, which was identified as mephedrone. The contraband was seized and both accused were taken into custody,” said an officer.

Background of the Accused

Police said Riya moved to Mumbai after separating from her husband in 2015 and allegedly came into contact with Ajith through a mutual friend while attending parties where narcotic substances were consumed. The two allegedly established links with a Mumbai-based supplier, identified as Sameer, and began procuring mephedrone for sale.

About six months ago, Ajith shifted to Hyderabad for a video-editing assignment at a private media company in Madhapur. During his stay, he allegedly noticed a growing demand for mephedrone in the city and asked Riya to procure the drug from Mumbai.

Financial Transaction

Police said Ajith allegedly transferred ₹10,000 through an online payment to the bank account linked to the supplier’s family before Riya collected the consignment at Malad railway station and travelled to Hyderabad.

Next Steps

The arrested accused and the seized material were handed over to the Ramgopalpet police for further investigation. Police are now trying to trace the absconding supplier, Sameer, and unravel the network involved in procuring, transporting and distributing the narcotic substance in Hyderabad.

Published - July 27, 2026 08:41 pm IST