Thandai for Rs 50, ganja-laced drink for Rs 150: Telangana Excise bust drug-infused thandai sale in Old City

Hyderabad: In a shocking case ahead of the festive season, the Excise Special Task Force (STF) busted a racket in which cannabis-infused chocolates were being mixed into thandai and sold at triple the regular price in the Old City.

The accused was allegedly selling a glass of ganja-laced thandai for Rs 150, while the normal drink costs Rs 50.

Accused nabbed in Uppuguda–Charminar area

The operation was carried out by STF ‘A’ Team Leader Anji Reddy and his staff under the limits of the Charminar Excise Station.

The accused, identified as B Vikas Sharma (native of Agra, Uttar Pradesh), had been selling thandai between Chudi Bazaar and Begum Bazaar for some time.

He reportedly prepared the milk-based beverage by heating and cooling milk, adding ice and dry fruits, and selling it as regular thandai for Rs 50 per glass. However, he allegedly offered a special version mixed with ganja chocolates for Rs 150 per glass.

1,920 ganja chocolates seized

Acting on specific information, excise officials searched the accused’s residence (House No. 18-1-292/140/1) and seized 1,920 cannabis-infused chocolates.

Authorities found that the chocolates contained a total of 9.60 kilograms of ganja. During interrogation, the accused admitted that each chocolate contained approximately 5 grams of cannabis. He reportedly sourced the chocolates from Agra.

Demand linked to Holi festivities

According to officials, the accused confessed that demand for such products surges during the Holi festival. Anticipating higher sales, he allegedly procured a large quantity of ganja chocolates to cater to festive customers.

The accused, along with the seized ganja chocolates and a motorcycle, was handed over to the Charminar Excise Station for further legal action, STF officials said.

Investigation into the supply chain and possible wider network is underway.