Ahead of New Year, EAGLE busts drug cartels; 381 kg ganja, 68 gms cocaine seized, 50 held

Hyderabad: Telangana EAGLE Force has registered as many as 17 NDPS cases, arresting 27 drug peddlers, 18 consumers, and five foreign women nationals in the past 10 days. A large cache of drugs, including ganja and cocaine, was seized.

The crackdown follows heightened narcotics activity ahead of the New Year celebrations.

TG-EAGLE Director Sandeep Shandilya said the figures point to a definite surge in drug trafficking and consumption during the festive season.

Seizures during this period included 68 grams of cocaine, 50.5 grams of MDMA, two grams of LSD blots, and 381.93 kilograms of ganja, he added.

Festive season triggers drug spike

“The intensified surveillance and intelligence-based operations were launched in view of New Year celebrations, traditionally marked by increased demand for party drugs. The recent seizures and arrests reflect an active supply chain catering to urban consumers,” Sandeep Shandilya said.

EAGLE Force steps up enforcement

The EAGLE Force has ramped up enforcement across Hyderabad and other vulnerable pockets, focusing on nightlife hubs, transit routes, and suspected supply networks. Officials said coordinated action with local police units has helped detect cases swiftly, he added.

High-value narcotics recovered

Among the drugs seized in the last 10 days were cocaine, MDMA, and LSD, commonly associated with party culture, apart from a large quantity of ganja. The mix of substances indicates both organised trafficking and local distribution networks operating simultaneously, the TG-EAGLE Director said.

Targeted Operation in Banjara Hills

As part of the intensified crackdown, the EAGLE Force, in coordination with Banjara Hills Police, arrested a 47-year-old woman during a joint operation in Banjara Hills.

The accused, identified as Hassa (47), a resident of Banjara Hills, was apprehended near Galaxy Mobile Shop on Road No. 3 following specific intelligence inputs. Police seized MDMA and LSD blots from her possession under the provisions of the NDPS Act.

Accused tests positive for drugs

Police said the accused tested positive for Methamphetamine and Amphetamine. After a preliminary investigation, she was handed over to the Banjara Hills Police along with the seized contraband for further legal proceedings.

Interrogation reveals Goa connection

During questioning, Hassa admitted to procuring and consuming narcotic substances on multiple occasions over the past year. She told investigators that her first exposure to drugs occurred in December 2024, when she travelled to Goa with acquaintances from Hyderabad.

She said the group visited tourist spots such as Vagator Beach and nearby clubs, where she was introduced to a drug supplier operating in North Goa.

Repeated procurement during 2025

According to her confession, the accused revisited Goa in March, July, October and December 2025, during which she repeatedly procured MDMA. On some occasions, intermediaries allegedly delivered the drugs when the main supplier was unavailable.

Police said that during her visit on December 26, she allegedly received MDMA and LSD blots at locations in Siolim and Mapusa. She also admitted that acquaintances from Hyderabad consumed MDMA along with her on certain occasions.

Supplier identified as habitual offender

Investigators identified the supplier as Romi Bharath Kalyani (40), a habitual offender under the NDPS Act with a long criminal history spanning Telangana, Maharashtra, and Goa. He was earlier arrested in a 2025 case by the Golconda Police and released on bail in November.

A native of Bandra West, Mumbai, and currently residing in North Goa, he is believed to be a key supplier catering to drug consumers in Hyderabad and other cities.

Multiple cases across states

Police records show the supplier’s involvement in several narcotics cases, including seizures of MDMA, cocaine, ecstasy pills, ganja, and OG weed.

Investigators said he allegedly sourced drugs from Nigerian suppliers and continued operations through associates even during periods of incarceration.

Manhunt Intensified

Based on surveillance and intelligence gathered during the investigation, police have intensified efforts to trace and arrest the prime accused, who is believed to be actively operating despite his criminal antecedents.

Advisory to Youth and Parents

Police have urged young people not to fall prey to drugs in the name of party culture, music events or momentary excitement.

“Drug abuse destroys lives and families. While the government and EAGLE Force remain committed to enforcement, prevention, counselling, and rehabilitation, cooperation from parents, youth, and the general public is vital,” officials said.