Telangana Cracks Down on Drug Menace with Over 1,980 NDPS Cases in Six Months

Telangana has registered 1,982 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in the first half of this year, highlighting the escalating drug menace in the state.

The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGNAB) reported the arrest of 3,792 accused individuals and the seizure of contraband worth Rs.179.3 crores. Additionally, the properties worth Rs.47.16 crore of narco offenders and their accomplices have been frozen in five separate cases.

TGNAB officials have also disposed of 679 cases involving 42,190 kg of drugs valued at Rs.102.41 crores. The Chief Minister of Telangana, A. Revanth Reddy, visited the Telangana Command & Control Centre (TGCCC) on Tuesday and chaired a meeting with law and order officers from the Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda commissionerates.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy reiterated the government’s commitment to making Telangana a drug-free state and emphasized the need to tackle the drug menace with an iron hand. He also flagged off new vehicles for TGNAB, which was established last year and has been receiving comprehensive support and funding from the government.

The government has allocated Rs. 50 crores to TGNAB and released funds for the procurement of new vehicles. The Bureau has been equipped with 20 Innovas, 7 Boleros, and 59 motorcycles to enhance its operational capabilities.

Preparations are underway to establish seven regional anti-narcotics centres across the state and four narcotic police stations in the next few months. The Chief Minister assured that TGNAB officers would be provided with the latest technology and advanced training to enhance their proficiency.

TGNAB has set up seven narcotic labs equipped with the latest technologies to detect and trace drug trafficking networks, distributors, and register cases efficiently. The government has also sanctioned 170 additional staff for the Bureau and decided to provide a 60% additional allowance to personnel working diligently in drug prevention.

The Bureau is conducting extensive raids in cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, and Goa to apprehend drug suppliers with nationwide operations. These raids have led to drug gangs relocating from Telangana to neighboring states.

Major criminals with links to international crime syndicates have been arrested, significantly disrupting the dark network of kingpins. Drug orders are being monitored through online platforms, shopping apps, and food apps, with legal actions being taken accordingly.

With court permission, 36,662 kg of cannabis worth Rs. 84.6 crores were incinerated using non-polluting and environmentally friendly methods. The government’s multi-faceted approach aims to eliminate the drug menace and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.