‘Zero Drugs’ is the goal for New Year celebrations: Hyderabad CP Sajjanar

Hyderabad: With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, the Hyderabad City Police have declared a war on narcotics, adopting a strict ‘Zero Drugs’ policy to ensure a safe and drug-free environment for the citizens.

Police Commissioner, VC Sajjanar, chaired a high-level coordination meeting on Friday at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in Banjara Hills.

During the session, he issued a stern directive to top brass and field officers to maintain a ‘hawk-eyed’ vigil across the city.

The commissioner outlined a multi-layered security plan involving H-NEW (Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing), Task Force, Special Branch and local law enforcement.

Police to track persons entering city for celebrations

Key highlights of the operational orders include:

- Special surveillance teams have been deployed immediately at all pubs, hotels, restaurants and event venues. The commissioner ordered continuous monitoring of individuals previously involved in drug-related offences over the last two years.

- Officials have been tasked with preparing a comprehensive list of known drug peddlers and consumers. Additionally, police will track the details of individuals entering the city for the festivities.

The crackdown isn't limited to public venues; police will also monitor private gatherings at service apartments and hostels to prevent illicit activities.

The city police have set a mandatory 1 am closing time for all New Year celebrations at pubs, hotels and restaurants.

Check-posts and barricades ready

“Strict action will be taken against violators. Pubs and other event places will face immediate cancellation of licenses if found engaging in any illegal activities this year,” the Commissioner warned.

To manage the influx of revellers, check-posts and barricades will be fortified at major hubs including Maitrivanam, Necklace Road, Tank Bund and KBR Park.

While the security is set to be intense, the commissioner emphasised that the general public should not be inconvenienced. He instructed officers to ensure that celebrations remain peaceful and that the police act as facilitators for a safe New Year.

“Our resolve is that not a single drug case should be reported in Hyderabad during these celebrations. We are deploying special forces to achieve this. Every officer must work in coordination to uphold the prestige of the City Police,” stated Sajjanar.