Former security guard operates drug network; Telangana’s EAGLE Force arrests gang after 60-day hunt

Bhaskar Hazarika, along with four of his associates in the drug trade and the seized 24.7 kg of marijuana.

A former security guard who built an interstate marijuana trafficking network supplying to nearly 100 regular consumers in Cyberabad was arrested after a 60-day hunt by the EAGLE Force.

Bhaskar Hazarika (31), who once worked as a security guard and delivery executive, operated a network of couriers and distributors that moved large consignments of marijuana from Odisha to Hyderabad.

Director of EAGLE, Sandeep Shandilya, said that Bhaskar Hazarika was arrested along with four other members of the Assam-based gang. The operation, conducted by the EAGLE Force in coordination with Choutuppal Police, led to the seizure of 24.7 kg of marijuana and seven mobile phones. The five arrested are Hazarika, 37-year-old Babu Borah, 26-year-old Nirmal Hazarika, 25-year-old Pranajal Dutta, and 34-year-old Akan Rajbanshi. All five are from Assam and resided in Prem Nagar, New Hafeezpet.

The investigation began on August 27, when EAGLE Force and Choutuppal Police intercepted a Maruti Suzuki Fronx after a chase and seized 20.36 kg of marijuana. Two Odisha natives, Trilochan Samantaray and Sagarbal, were arrested. Their interrogation led police to Bikas Barik, who was arrested on August 29. Barik identified Bhaskar as one of his buyers and the alleged kingpin behind the network.

“Bhaskar had been booked in three marijuana cases in Madhapur and Gachibowli in 2024. He was arrested twice by Madhapur Police and once by Gachibowli Police. He secured bail in all three cases. After his release in March 2024, he returned to Assam and brought other members into the operation before returning to Hyderabad in June 2025,” explained the officer.

He added that Bhaskar initially sourced marijuana from Barik and later established contacts with suppliers Ashish Kumar Baliarsingh and Debasis Naik alias Pinku Naik in Odisha through WhatsApp. Consignments were transported to Hyderabad through couriers Babu Borah and Nirmal Hazarika.

The network’s distribution model involved converting each kilogram of marijuana into about 150 small packets, which were sold for ₹300 each. Bhaskar reportedly sold 40 to 50 kg every month over a 10-month period, supplying to a regular customer base of around 100 people in Cyberabad.

An examination of inter-bank transactions showed that between February 2 and October 29, 2026, Bhaskar purchased marijuana worth ₹48 lakh from Ashish Kumar in 88 transactions. The purchase price was between ₹12,000 and ₹15,000 per kg, while the gang sold it at around ₹50,000 per kg. Investigators estimate that about 400 kg of marijuana was moved through this supply chain, generating sales of nearly ₹1.8 crore in 10 months. The police said he also had other sources of supply.