Key Facts
The Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Force of Telangana arrested 14 individuals for ganja consumption during a coordinated operation across multiple commissionerates and districts. The arrests were made after the suspects tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis.
Details of the Operation
The operation covered Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Malkajgiri, Future City, Mahabubnagar, and Nizamabad. Fifteen teams conducted simultaneous raids, detaining 19 suspects. Medical examinations confirmed that 14 of them had consumed ganja, with one also testing positive for methamphetamine.
Identities of the Accused
The arrested individuals are: Thanniru Venkat Rao (34), Ganti Bharath (32), Murali Krishna Susheel (37), Yashwanth Sai (35), Koppula Nagaraju (32), K. Vamshidar Reddy (29), Sigurla Arun Kumar (28), Ginjupalli Sandeep (31), T. Sathwik Reddy (20), K. Sandeep Reddy (30), Myakla Praveen (28), Chithamadaka Abhilash (29), Padala Kranthi Sagar (34), and Paritala Rohit (33).
Drug Supply Network
According to the EAGLE Force, the operation was based on intelligence about a drug supply network run by Chakrapani and Harshid Reddy. The duo, along with associates, had rented accommodation in Goa and procured cocaine, MDMA pills, and LSD from Bengaluru. They transported these drugs to Hyderabad and sourced hash oil from Odisha. Cocaine was allegedly supplied to individuals in the film industry, while other narcotics were sold in areas like LB Nagar in Hyderabad.
Impact and Rehabilitation
Technical analysis identified around 44 suspected consumers linked to the suppliers across Telangana. Financial records showed that the arrested consumers had transferred a combined ₹3.13 lakh to Chakrapani and Harshid Reddy for drug purchases. Both suppliers had been arrested earlier in a 2019 NDPS case at Vanasthalipuram police station.
The EAGLE Force stated that information about the consumers' networks has been collected, and parents and guardians will be counselled to ensure de-addiction treatment. All 14 individuals have been referred to de-addiction centres. The agency urged the public to share information about drug activities through its helpline and appealed to parents to remain vigilant for a drug-free Telangana.
FAQ
How many people were arrested in the EAGLE Force operation?
14 individuals were arrested after testing positive for ganja consumption.
What areas were covered in the drug raids?
The raids were conducted across Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Malkajgiri, Future City, Mahabubnagar, and Nizamabad.
What drugs were involved besides ganja?
The network also supplied cocaine, MDMA pills, LSD, and hash oil.
What action is being taken against the arrested consumers?
They have been referred to de-addiction centres for rehabilitation.