EAGLE Force arrests 14 consumers in crackdown against drugs across Telangana

Fourteen consumers were arrested after testing positive for ganja during a coordinated operation conducted by the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Force across Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Malkajgiri and Future City commissionerates, as well as Mahabubnagar and Nizamabad districts.

The accused were identified as 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.

The operation was launched following intelligence about a drug supply network operated by Chakrapani and Harshid Reddy.

According to the EAGLE Force, the two accused, along with their associates, had rented accommodation in Goa and were procuring cocaine, MDMA pills and LSD from Bengaluru, transporting them to Hyderabad, and sourcing hash oil from Odisha. Investigators alleged that cocaine was being supplied to individuals in the film industry, while other narcotics were sold in parts of Hyderabad, including LB Nagar.

A technical analysis of the network identified around 44 suspected consumers linked to the suppliers across Telangana. As the alleged suppliers were not present in Hyderabad, officials focused on identifying and apprehending consumers as part of a demand-reduction strategy. Fifteen teams were formed for simultaneous raids, leading to the detention of 19 suspects. Medical examinations later confirmed that 14 individuals had tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive component of cannabis. One individual also tested positive for methamphetamine.

Investigators said the arrested consumers admitted to purchasing ganja and other drugs from Chakrapani and Harshid Reddy. Financial records examined during the probe allegedly showed that the consumers had transferred a combined ₹3.13 lakh to the two accused for the purchase of narcotic substances.

Police said Chakrapani and Harshid Reddy had previously been arrested in a 2019 case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at Vanasthalipuram police station of the Malkajgiri commissionerate.

The EAGLE Force said information about the consumers’ networks had been collected and that parents and guardians would be counselled to ensure those involved undergo de-addiction treatment. All 14 individuals who tested positive have been referred to de-addiction centres for rehabilitation.

The agency urged the public to share information about drug-related activities through its helpline and appealed to parents to remain vigilant as part of efforts to build a drug-free Telangana.