PNS|Hyderabad
In a major crackdown, the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) and Hyderabad City Police have busted a city-wide illegal e-cigarette and vape distribution network operating through a WhatsApp group named ‘SID’. The operation targeted vulnerable youth and school-going children, many of whom were lured into the racket via flashy product ads shared on the group.
During anti-drug awareness campaigns near prominent schools and colleges in Abids – including Little Flower School, St Mary’s Jr College, Rosary Convent, and others – suspicious activity was flagged by teachers concerned. Acting on these inputs, TGANB traced the illegal network back to Sadiq Lalani and his brother Anil Lalani, residents of Nampally.
Investigations revealed that the accused used the WhatsApp group SID, with nearly 500 members, to advertise new stock of banned e-cigarettes and vapes. Orders were placed via UPI, wallets and bank transfers, not only through the accused’s accounts but also using those of his sister, parents’ friends and childhood associates to evade detection.
Over 13 juveniles were found actively engaged in purchasing these products. TGANB warned that these minors are at high risk of falling into deeper drug abuse. Local police will visit their homes to counsel parents and offer intervention.
The accused sourced banned items from Amit (New Delhi) and Waseem (Mumbai). Financial transactions exceeding Rs 50,000 were routed via hawala operators Mangi Ramji Goutham and CR Sharma while smaller payments used regular banking. Deliveries were made using platforms like Rapido, Uber and DTDC courier, raising questions about negligence on their part for failing to screen suspicious parcels.
During the raid on Sadiq Lalani’s residence, officials seized 7 cartons containing a total of 1,217 e-cigarettes, valued at approximately Rs 25 lakh. The haul included popular brands like Elfbar, POD Salt, Waka, Ignite, Juul and more.
Additionally, Rs 18,440 in cash, $225 USD and $100 Canadian Dollars were recovered. Bank records suggest the racket generated over Rs 1 crore in sales across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
