Telangana: EAGLE Force launches special drive against accused absconding in NDPS Act cases, 75 held

Hyderabad: On the instructions of the Director General of Police, Telangana, the EAGLE Force launched a special statewide drive to tackle the pendency of absconding accused involved in NDPS Act cases.

1,278 accused from Telangana

Across the country, 3,228 absconding/wanted/NBW accused persons were identified in NDPS cases registered in Telangana. Of them, 1,278 accused belonged to Telangana, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge within the State.

The special drive commenced on January 29. Within just four days, EAGLE (Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement) Force teams successfully apprehended 75 absconding accused and have been handed over to the police stations concerned.

Detailed interrogation reports were prepared and urine tests were conducted transparently in the presence of family members.

It is heartening to note that 38 out of 75 persons tested were found negative, reflecting the positive impact of timely intervention and underscoring the importance of sustained monitoring, counselling and rehabilitation. The drive will continue throughout February.

Telangana Police said this initiative reflects the resolve to strictly enforce the NDPS Act and dismantle drug networks. At the same time, emphasis is being placed on reintegration and rehabilitation, with a vision to comprehensively resolve the issue within the next 2–3 years through sustained efforts.

Recognising that addressing the drug menace requires a multi-pronged strategy, Telangana Police is giving equal importance to demand reduction alongside supply-side enforcement to achieve sustainable outcomes.

Further, the DGP has instructed all unit officers to organise similar drives in their respective jurisdictions, ensuring that absconding accused in NDPS cases are traced and brought to justice.

This campaign marks a decisive step in the state’s ongoing battle against narcotics, combining law enforcement, preventive education, and community participation to safeguard the future of Telangana’s youth.

Public appeal

EAGLE Force reiterates its firm commitment to eradicate the drug menace from society. Citizens are requested to remain vigilant and extend their cooperation by promptly reporting any information related to drug peddling, consumption, or trafficking.

Public participation is crucial in safeguarding the youth and ensuring a drug-free Telangana.

Report drug-related concerns to EAGLE:

Toll-free number: 1908

WhatsApp: 87126 71111

Email: tsnabho-hyd@tspolice.gov.in

All information shared will be kept strictly confidential, and credible informants will be suitably rewarded. “Let us join hands to build a Drug-Free Telangana,” the police said.

Arrest at the Mahabubabad bus station

On reliable information from Kalimela in Odisha, Ravinder, the inspector who has been tracking a suspect’s phone number since Tuesday afternoon, came to know that the two persons are coming by bus along with ganja packets in two college bags and going to Peddapalli. The Inspector and his team tracked the location and apprehended two persons at midnight at 2:30 am at Mahabubabad bus station and seized appr 10 kg of Ganja (5 packets).

The accused have been identified as Katkuri Venu (25) and Polaveni Anil (26). The police said that on the instructions of Naveen (main kingpin and financier), on Tuesday afternoon, they went to Kalimela and were bringing six kgs (3 packets) in one college bag and 4 kg (2 packets) in another college bag.

Naveen offered them Rs 10,000 each for transporting Ganja from Kalimela to Karimnagar. The accused, along with contraband, was handed over to Mahabubabad Town.

A case has been registered and further investigation is ongoing.