300 Carriers, 250 Kg of OG Kush: EAGLE Force Unravels International Drug Network

In a major breakthrough against international narcotics trafficking, the Telangana EAGLE (Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement) Force has dismantled a sophisticated drug-smuggling network that allegedly trafficked premium-grade hydroponic cannabis from Thailand into India. The operation led to the arrest of 17 individuals , including the alleged kingpin, and exposed links to former members of the Mumbai underworld .

The investigation began on April 8 , when EAGLE Force officials intercepted two suspects in Ramachandrapuram on the outskirts of Hyderabad and seized 12.739 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis . Valued at nearly ₹12.7 crore in the international market, the consignment provided investigators with crucial leads that ultimately unraveled a much larger cross-border trafficking network operating between Bangkok, Pattaya, Mumbai, and Hyderabad .

According to investigators, the syndicate was headed by Hemang Keluskar , who allegedly established a nightclub business in the Thai resort city of Pattaya along with his father and brother in 2023. Officials believe the establishment served as a hub for building connections with drug users, suppliers, and traffickers. Taking advantage of Thailand's abundant supply of high-quality cannabis, the group allegedly procured large quantities of the drug and developed an organized smuggling route into India.

The network reportedly relied on a vast pool of so-called "mule carriers" —individuals recruited to transport narcotics concealed in their luggage through international airports. Investigators estimate that nearly 300 carriers may have been used by the syndicate. Authorities say the traffickers strategically selected airports where baggage screening was perceived to be less stringent, enabling repeated movement of contraband.

The scale of the operation has stunned investigators. EAGLE Force Director Sandeep Shandilya said the cartel is suspected of bringing nearly 250 kilograms of OG Kush hydroponic cannabis into India since October 2023. The drugs are estimated to have a street value ranging between ₹200 crore and ₹250 crore .

Officials also uncovered evidence that 14 young men from Telangana were recruited into the operation with promises of ₹20,000 per trip . Investigators found that the group collectively made 21 trips to Thailand to transport narcotics into the country. Twelve of them have already been arrested.

The probe further revealed the involvement of a sophisticated financial network. Drug proceeds generated in India were allegedly collected entirely in cash and transferred to Thailand through hawala channels , allowing the syndicate to fund fresh purchases without leaving a conventional banking trail. Investigators said cannabis purchased in Bangkok for approximately ₹3 lakh per kilogram was allegedly sold in India for between ₹70 lakh and ₹1 crore per kilogram , generating enormous profits.

Authorities have also identified 29 drug carriers from cities including Mumbai, Surat, Jabalpur, Ranchi, Ludhiana, Amreli, and Hyderabad who were previously intercepted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs officials. So far, investigators have identified 88 carriers and documented 172 trips to Bangkok linked to the network.

Officials believe the case may represent only a portion of a much larger international trafficking operation. Investigations are continuing into the roles of additional suspects, financiers, hawala operators, and overseas suppliers as authorities work to dismantle the entire network and prevent further smuggling activities across the country.