Telangana Gears Up For Drug-Free New Year; Special Teams To Crack Down On Substance Abuse

The Bureau urges citizens to report drug-related activities via the toll-free number 1908 and join the mission to make Telangana drug-free.

The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB), in collaboration with Cyberabad Police, has intensified its efforts to curb drug abuse ahead of New Year celebrations.  In a discreet operation conducted in Madhapur on December 29, 2024, a 22-member task force identified and tested suspected drug consumers. Out of 14 tested, 8 were found positive for substances including Cocaine and Methamphetamine.

The operation, which utilised advanced detection tools and trained spotters, demonstrated TGANB’s commitment to equal enforcement, with even high-profile individuals like German DJ Ben Bohmer tested and cleared.

TGANB has announced statewide checks at parties and events, warning that anyone found involved in drug consumption or trafficking will face severe consequences. Pubs and bars have been directed to display “Drug-Free Zone” notices and strictly adhere to underage drinking laws.

The Bureau urges citizens to report drug-related activities via the toll-free number 1908 and join the mission to make Telangana drug-free.

New Year Eve: Crackdown On Drugs

Earlier, reports indicated that New Year’s Eve festivities will be under heightened surveillance by enforcement agencies to curb drug abuse. The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau has established 19 special teams with plans to closely monitor large gatherings during the celebrations.

These teams comprising personnel from the special teams including TGANB, the Prohibition and Excise Department and local police will use mouth swab drug tests while the other 17 will be equipped with ABON urine testing kits.

The teams are set to visit pubs, bars, hotels and resorts hosting New Year events. Sniffer dogs will assist in detecting drugs concealed in vehicles, parking areas, escalators and other locations, according to a senior TGANB official, as per a report on Telangana Today.

Additionally, the bureau has issued guidelines to local law enforcement, mandating that management of pubs, bars, and other recreational venues submit details of music band members and DJs scheduled to perform at the events.