Hyderabad Surgeon among 9 arrested in drug peddling racket; dating apps used

Hyderabad: A shocking drug peddling racket was recently busted by the Hyderabad police, resulting in the arrest of nine persons, including a general surgeon from a private hospital and drug peddlers, for allegedly selling and purchasing a synthetic drug named MDMA. Around 100 grams of MDMA were seized from them.

MDMA, or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a synthetic drug with stimulant and minor psychedelic effects, often known as ecstasy or molly. The arrested doctor, along with 6 others, are consumers of the drug, and the other two are drug peddlers who targeted same sex people for selling.

The accused peddlers used a gay dating app to contact people and sell the drug. According to the police, the accused were using encrypted messaging and dating apps to avoid detection. Their clientele was carefully selected through these platforms.

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According to officials, the peddlers identified as M Ramakanth alias Kiran and Mudavath Prasad used code names like ‘Rocket’ and ‘Pigeon’ on their dating profiles to discreetly market drugs.

As per a PTI news agency report, the accused were arrested after a raid was conducted at a flat in Chilkalguda in the city based on credible information. Ramakanth, a noted drug peddler, who had purchased 100 grams of MDMA from a Nigerian in Bengaluru, brought it to the city, and he was selling it to customers with the help of his associate M. Prasad of L B Nagar in the city. Ramakanth also consumed MDMA and other narcotic substances by himself.

Both accused were allegedly running the drug racket. After Ramakanth’s arrest, the police began tracing his customers. During the investigation, the police found that a surgeon, who practices at a hospital in Malakpet and resident of Saidabad, was among the buyers. Others included an IT recruiter and a resident of Karmanghat, a sex worker and six others were found to be among his customers.

During the investigation, Ramakanth confessed that he had created an account on Grindr, a gay dating app, and was using it to contact customers.

Both peddlers had previous drug-related charges. In July 2024, he, along with the second peddler, was arrested and sent to judicial custody. They were subsequently released on bail.

Efforts are underway to identify more individuals who procured drugs from him, police added.

Also read- MBBS Intern Doctor, Medical Student arrested for selling Ganja (Marijuana) at JIPMER