In a startling revelation, police have arrested a 28-year-old software engineer from Bengaluru, identified as Gade Renuka, for allegedly masterminding a large interstate and cross-border ganja trafficking network with links extending from the Andhra–Odisha border to Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
Renuka, dubbed the “Lady Don” by her associates, is among eight accused arrested by police in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district. Investigators claim this is the first known case of ganja smuggling from the Andhra–Odisha border region to Sri Lanka, marking a significant breakthrough in narcotics enforcement.
Major Seizure During Police Operation
Acting on specific intelligence, Nathavaram police intercepted the gang near Suryakailasa village, where they seized 74 kilograms of high-quality ‘Sheelavati’ variety ganja, along with one car and two motorcycles used for transportation.
The accused were taken into custody for questioning, during which investigators uncovered the scale and sophistication of the operation.
How the Network Operated
According to police, the racket was allegedly led by Renuka and her associate Suryakailash, who rented a house in Narsipatnam to coordinate operations. The ganja was sourced from tribal regions of Balimela and Chitrakonda in the Andhra–Odisha border belt—an area known for illicit cannabis cultivation.
The gang reportedly recruited operatives from Bengaluru and Coimbatore to manage logistics, transport, and distribution. Middlemen were used to avoid direct links, while drivers used national highways and changing routes to evade law enforcement.
Route to Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka
Investigators revealed that consignments were first transported to Tamil Nadu via the Rajapalayam highway junction, where the drugs were repackaged into smaller parcels. The network allegedly established contacts with marine smugglers, enabling shipments to be ferried illegally to Sri Lanka, significantly expanding the trafficking corridor.
Police believe the operation involved substantial financial transactions and international coordination, prompting deeper scrutiny of bank records and communication networks.
Who Is ‘Lady Don’ Renuka?
Renuka, a software engineer based in Bengaluru and a native of Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district, is accused of playing a central role in organizing the supply and movement of premium-grade Sheelavati ganja.
Investigators say her strategic planning, coordination skills, and control over multiple links in the supply chain earned her the nickname “Lady Don” within the gang. Authorities stressed that her professional background allegedly helped her avoid suspicion while running the operation.
Further Arrests Likely
Police officials confirmed that further investigation is underway to identify additional links, financial backers, and overseas contacts. More arrests are expected as agencies work to dismantle what they describe as a well-organised interstate and international narcotics network.
The case has once again highlighted the evolving profile of organised drug crime, where educated professionals are increasingly being drawn into high-risk illegal operations.
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