Daijiworld Media Network – Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Jul 14: In a startling incident, Hyderabad's newly formed drug enforcement unit, EAGLE (Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement), uncovered a ganja distribution network operating in the posh IT corridor of Gachibowli. The operation took an unexpected turn when officials caught a couple trying to buy ganja while accompanied by their 4-year-old child.
During the Saturday crackdown, EAGLE officials caught 14 individuals attempting to purchase ganja. Among them were professionals including an IT employee, a student, an architect, a sales executive, and an online trader. All tested positive for cannabis in on-the-spot urine tests and have been referred to certified de-addiction centres for treatment.
EAGLE Superintendent of Police Chennuri Roopesh told NDTV that the main suspect, Sandeep from Maharashtra, is a repeat offender known for selling ganja in Gachibowli. “His customer base largely consists of IT and private sector employees,” he said.
Sandeep reportedly transported around 5 kg of ganja in packets of 50 grams each, selling them for Rs 3,000 per packet. He used coded messages like "Bhai baccha aa gaya bhai" via WhatsApp to alert buyers about the availability of fresh stock.
The bust took place near a bank—an exchange hotspot—where plainclothes officers waited. In just two hours, they nabbed 14 customers. However, Sandeep managed to escape and remains on the run. Officials are now analysing his communication logs and customer database, which reportedly contains details of over 100 regular consumers.
The involvement of families shocked the officers. In one case, the mother and child were allowed to leave, but the father tested positive. Another couple also tested positive for ganja use.
Police have urged the remaining individuals in the seized database to come forward for voluntary de-addiction before action is taken. “We will continue surveillance and targeted operations to clean up the IT corridor,” SP Roopesh said.
The EAGLE unit appealed to the youth and public to resist drug use and report any suspicious activity. Parents were also urged to monitor their children’s habits closely. Tip-offs can be shared via the toll-free helpline 1908.