The three accused along with the seized contraband with the officers from the anti narcotics bureau.
| Photo Credit: By Arrangement
Three employees of a private travels bus were arrested after police seized 41.01 kg of marijuana worth an estimated ₹20.5 lakh from a bus near Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park in Auto Nagar on Saturday.
Acting on specific intelligence, the Malakjgiri Narcotics Police, with assistance of the Regional Narcotics Control Cell (RNCC), Khammam, of the EAGLE Force, intercepted a Baba Bholonath private travel bus on July 11. During the search, officers recovered two bags containing the contraband, which had allegedly been transported from Odisha and was awaiting delivery in Hyderabad.
The arrested men were identified as Laxman Kurami, 22, a bus helper from Bejaguda in Malkangiri district of Odisha, Komala Khil, 32, the driver from Koraput district, and Bubu Madakami, 33, the bus conductor from Motu in Malkangiri district.
According to the police, the trio admitted that they had agreed, in collusion with an associate from Odisha, to transport the contraband to Hyderabad for a commission. The consignment was allegedly meant to be handed over to a contact arranged by the associate.
Further investigation identified the alleged supplier as Nubin of Malkangiri and an unidentified receiver in Hyderabad, both of whom are absconding. Apart from the banned substance, police seized the private travels bus bearing registration number OD 30 H 2277 and four mobile phones. A case has been registered.
The seizure comes less than two months after the EAGLE Force intercepted another private bus, Bankeshwari Travels, travelling from Malkangiri to Hyderabad on May 21 and seized 21 kg of marijuana.
Two drivers, a conductor and a helper were arrested in that case and the bus was also impounded.
This is the third such case in which bus drivers and conductors were allegedly found to have connived with drug traffickers.
Published – July 12, 2026 08:53 pm IST
