Three IT employees were arrested for possession and alleged sale of MDMA after the Excise State Task Force seized 7.44 grams of the drug during an operation in Hayathnagar on Wednesday.

The accused were identified as Anjad, a software employee from Saman Nagar in Hayathnagar, Hemant, a software professional based in Bengaluru, and Harish, another software employee. Officials said a case was registered against the three for possession of the narcotic substance.

According to the Excise State Task Force, Anjad allegedly turned to drug peddling after losing his job in the IT sector. Investigators said Hemant allegedly financed the operation and procured 10 grams of MDMA from Bengaluru, while Harish was caught when he allegedly arrived to purchase the contraband.

Officials said the accused procured MDMA in Bengaluru for around ₹2,000 per gram and sold it in Hyderabad at rates ranging between ₹8,000 and ₹10,000 per gram.

The operation was carried out by the Excise State Task Force B Team under the supervision of CI Biksha Reddy and SSI Balaraju, who seized 7.44 grams of MDMA.

Excise officials said the three accused, along with the seized drugs, were handed over to the staff of Hayathnagar Excise Station for further investigation. B Team leader Pradeep Rao said further inquiries are under way to trace others linked to the supply network.