Hyderabad: On July 2, 2024, the Honourable Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Anumala Revanth Reddy, visited the Telangana Command & Control Centre (TGCCC) and chaired an interaction meeting with Law and Order officers from the Tri-Commissionerates of Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda. During his address, the Honourable CM emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating drugs and making Telangana a drug-free state. He highlighted the government’s stern approach to tackling the drug menace, noting that this year, 1,892 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act, leading to the arrest of 3,792 accused and the seizure of contraband worth Rs. 179.3 crores. Additionally, the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) has frozen properties worth Rs. 47.16 crores belonging to narco offenders and their associates in five cases. In total, 679 cases have resulted in the disposal of 42,190 kgs of drugs, valued at Rs. 102.41 crores.
Budget:
The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau, established in 2023, initially struggled due to insufficient funding. However, the Honourable CM promptly released the necessary funds, significantly improving the Bureau’s performance.
The government has provided state-of-the-art facilities, including a “Narcotic Lab” unique in the country, ensuring no shortage of funds.
Plans are underway to establish 7 Regional Narcotics Control Centres (RNCCs) and 4 Narcotic Police Stations across the state within the next two months.
The government is committed to equipping TGANB officers with the latest technology and providing advanced training to enhance their proficiency.
A fund of Rs. 50 crores has been allocated to the Bureau.
The government has provided new vehicles, including 20 Innovas, 7 Boleros, and 59 motorcycles, and sanctioned 170 additional staff.
Anti-Narcotic Bureau personnel are incentivized with a 60% additional allowance for their efforts in drug prevention.
Programs and Achievements:
Extensive raids have been conducted in cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, and Goa to arrest drug suppliers and legally punish those involved in drug trafficking. As a result, parties in the state are shifting to neighbouring states.
Key criminals with international crime links have been arrested and imprisoned.
TGANB has set up 7 Narcotic Labs equipped with the latest technology to detect drug trafficking and distribution, leading to successful case registrations.
Online drug orders through shopping and food apps are monitored, with legal actions taken against offenders.
In 790 cases, 1,556 people were arrested, and contraband worth Rs. 77.2 crores was seized.
Raids on 4 Alprazolam manufacturing units resulted in the seizure of 28.592 kg of alprazolam and 560 kg of chloral hydrate.
3,600 Anti-Drug Committees have been established in schools and colleges.
One Task Force, 4 Police Stations, and 7 RNCCs have been set up within the Anti-Narcotics Bureau.
Properties of criminals and their relatives have been confiscated under the PIT-NDPS Act, with assets worth Rs. 47.16 crores seized in 5 out of 18 cases.
36,662 kg of cannabis, valued at Rs. 84.6 crores, was destroyed using environmentally friendly methods through a drug eradication program.
TGANB collaborates with central agencies like NCB, FRRO, IB, and DGPs from other states.
The Bureau works with 137 Police Stations, 10 District Task Forces, 8 Task Forces, and 7 Special Operation Zones.
Efforts are ongoing to increase the conviction rate from 13% in the state’s registered crimes.
266 Narcotics Detection Dogs (NDDs) will be deployed across the state to trace drugs and criminals.
Training Programs:
Various training programs have been conducted for State Police, Excise, and Judicial Officers, with 3,020 officers trained in crime management and investigative skills.
Through Training of Trainers (TOT) programs, 922 officers have been trained to comply with the 25 mandatory provisions of the NDPS Act for case registration and investigation.
Awareness seminars were conducted in 56 national and international schools and colleges, forming 3,800 Anti-Drug Committees (ADCs) with 8,084 student participants.
3,116 students have registered as Anti-Drug Soldiers across the state.
Anti-Drug Campaign:
The third Wednesday of every month is observed as Anti-Drug Abuse Awareness Day, implemented in all colleges, pubs, and slums.
To promote drug prevention, 40,000 posters were distributed across the state through public announcements.
During the IPL match at Uppal Stadium on April 25, 2024, TGANB conducted Anti-Drug Abuse Campaigns through mascot posters, playing cards, and flex banners.
Public awareness was raised through songs, dramas, and short films, with plans to release these films in theaters soon.
Advanced Lab and Technology:
Twenty types of test kits are used to detect intoxicating substances in drug users through doping, diagnostic, saliva, and urine testing.
Advanced software and hardware are provided for technical analysis using Google Mapping on drug cultivation.
The Mitra App, powered by artificial intelligence, has identified 536 drug addicts, who have been provided medical assistance through the State medical and health department. Eleven De-Addiction Centers and eight Rehabilitation Centers have been established in the state. Seven Narcotic Labs have been established, utilizing the latest technologies for detecting drug trafficking and distribution, leading to successful case registrations.
Our Citizen Reporter – Telangana
Mr. Bharath Reddy
