14 held in EAGLE decoy operation in Gachibowli

Fourteen people, including software professionals, a student, and other private sector workers, were caught trying to purchase marijuana during a decoy operation conducted by Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) in Gachibowli, on Saturday, July 12.

The buyers arrested were identified as Naveen, 31, an online trader; Ayush, 22, a student; Nikhil, 29, an engineer; Sindura, 26, an architect; Hasan, 34, a property manager; Kranti, 28, an IT employee; Akhil, 28, a dental technician; Shiva, 32, a business relationship manager; Sandesh, 34, a freelance ad professional; Sai Raj, 31, a real estate sales executive; Akhil, 26, who runs a travel agency; Swamy, 27, a driver; Thushar, 24, an IT employee; and Arpith, 24, also an IT employee.

During the operation, EAGLE officers in plain clothes positioned themselves around the area based on intelligence about a Maharashtra-based repeat offender named Sandeep, who had been selling marijuana to customers in the IT corridor.

Superintendent of Police (SP) of EAGLE Ch. Rupesh said that Sandeep reportedly arrives with five kilograms of marijuana, split into 100 packets of 50 grams each, selling them for ₹3,000 per packet. “He keeps a list of over 100 regular customers, including their contact numbers, and uses coded WhatsApp messages like ‘bhai baccha a gaya bhai’ to announce availability,” explained the SP.

All 14 consumers were caught in the act and tested positive for cannabis on the spot using urine drug test kits. “One of the accused had come with his wife and four-year-old son. While the woman and child were let off, the man tested positive. In another case, both husband and wife attempted to buy marijuana. Despite the woman initially trying to bluff her way out, both tested positive for cannabis,” added the SP.

EAGLE officers are now analysing digital evidence from seized phones, including WhatsApp logs and contact databases, to identify other buyers and expand the investigation. The 86 remaining regular consumers on Sandeep’s list were advised to seek rehabilitation before further enforcement action is taken.