Hyderabad Doctor, IT Recruiter, and Sex Worker Among 9 Arrested in MDMA Racket on Grindr

Hyderabad Police conducted a raid that resulted in the arrest of nine individuals—two drug peddlers and seven consumers—as part of a drug distribution network trafficking MDMA. The group reportedly used Grindr, a dating app for LGBTQ users, to connect with buyers. Police seized 100 grams of MDMA during the operation.

Investigators traced drug distribution to contacts made through Grindr. The operation led police to Ideal Home Apartments in Secunderabad, where the MDMA stash was discovered.

Primary suspects—identified as M. Ramakanth alias Kiran (44), an office assistant, and Mudavath Prasad (30), a vacuum technician—reportedly sourced MDMA from a Nigerian supplier based in Bengaluru and distributed it in Hyderabad. Both had previously been arrested under the NDPS Act in 2024 but resumed their activities after being released on bail.

The police also arrested Dr. Atif Abdul Samee, a surgeon practicing in Malakpet, along with an IT recruiter and a sex worker. Some of the accused reportedly engaged in unprotected sexual activity even after testing HIV positive while under the influence of drugs.

Ramakanth used particular symbols on his Grindr profile to discreetly advertise drug availability. Authorities estimate that he purchased MDMA in Bengaluru and sold it in Hyderabad.

Law enforcement registered charges under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, at Chilkalguda police station. Investigators are reviewing call records and app logs to identify additional members of the network.

Additional Development

In a related operation, the Anti-Narcotics Cell of Maharashtra’s Mira Bhayandar–Vasai Virar (MBVV) police raided a chemical factory in Cherlapally, Hyderabad, on September 5. The officers seized mephedrone (MD) valued at approximately ₹12,000 crore. The haul included 5.79 kg of MD, 35,500 litres of chemicals, and 950 kg of powder along with equipment used for manufacturing. Twelve individuals, including an IT expert and the factory owners, were arrested. Authorities uncovered that the syndicate operated for years, supplying drugs to multiple regions. Investigations into the network continue.

(Rh/Eth/TL/MSM)