HYDERABAD: The Telangana EAGLE Force, working with Golconda police, arrested an absconding drug supplier wanted in multiple narcotics cases in the state.
The accused, Hafsal Chandanaparambil Habeeb (46) of Thrissur district, Kerala, was detained by a special team in Thrissur and produced before the First Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Kodungallur, which issued a transit warrant for his transfer to Telangana.
Police said Hafsal was absconding in cases registered at Golconda, Panjagutta and Chaitanyapuri police stations. He is accused of procuring and supplying narcotic substances, including ecstasy pills, cocaine, MDMA and OG weed (khush), to contacts in Hyderabad.
Officials said Hafsal pursued a BTech degree in Tamil Nadu and later worked in the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. He subsequently entered business abroad but allegedly developed a drug habit, leading to financial and family problems.
During Covid-19, he returned to India, ran a hotel in Goa and allegedly came into contact with drug peddlers. He was arrested twice by Goa police in narcotics cases and served jail terms before resuming illegal activities. Police said he later established links with Hyderabad-based networks, including Romi Bharath Kalyani, who has already been arrested. Hafsal remained on the run while several associates were taken into custody. He is involved in at least five cases, two in Goa and three in Telangana.
CP flags misuse of courier, e-commerce platforms for drug transport
Hyderabad: Calling for stronger coordination between service providers and the police to curb drug-related crimes, City Commissioner of Police (CP) VC Sajjanar on Wednesday expressed concern over the misuse of e-commerce and courier services for transporting ganja, narcotics and other banned substances.
Chairing a high-level meeting with nodal officers of telecom firms, internet service providers, food delivery apps, courier companies and transport aggregators in Basheerbagh, the CP directed all service providers to set up dedicated wings to promptly respond to police requests during investigations.
Warning companies against putting profits over public safety, Sajjanar instructed e-commerce and courier firms to introduce strict surveillance mechanisms to detect illegal activities.
“Service providers must immediately alert the police if suspicious parcels are identified. Any company found facilitating anti-social activities, even due to negligence, will face strict legal action,” he said.
Sajjanar also took serious note of complaints against cab and bike taxi drivers misbehaving with women passengers and directed transport aggregators to closely monitor driver conduct. He further flagged the issue of drivers cancelling rides after learning the destination or after receiving payment, and asked companies to initiate disciplinary action against erring drivers.