Telangana Seizes 185kg Ganja and 16,103 Litres Liquor in 99-Day Plan

Telangana officials seized 185kg of ganja and over 16,000 litres of liquor. This is part of a major effort to stop illegal substances across the state.
By Newsroom | Crime, Telangana |

Across Telangana, a heightened enforcement campaign is underway, targeting the trafficking of ganja, synthetic drugs, and non-duty paid liquor. Reports indicate substantial seizures across the state. In Khammam district alone, over a two-month period, 185 kg of ganja were confiscated in 23 separate incidents. Statewide, 16,103 litres of liquor have been seized in 1,251 cases. The Telangana Prohibition and Excise Department’s intensified actions are part of a 99-day ‘Progress Plan’ aiming to intercept illicit substances entering the region.

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Officials reported seizures extend beyond ganja to include substances such as OG Kush, MDMA, hashish oil, and cannabis-laced chocolates. The drive also saw the confiscation of 1,188 liquor bottles, including specialized "defense liquor," in operations targeting non-duty paid alcohol. In another significant haul, 30 kilograms of ganja and 180 bottles of illicit liquor were seized during raids in Hyderabad, leading to the arrest of four individuals. Special drives in Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts, running from September 15-30, resulted in the registration of 105 cases, seizure of approximately 2,290 liquor bottles (around 1,700 litres), and 3,000 kg of black jaggery, a precursor for illicit liquor production. The estimated value of liquor seized in these drives reached ₹1 crore.

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Minister Directs Strict Action, Considers Arming Officials

Prohibition and Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao has reportedly directed officials to act with an "iron fist" against the smuggling and illegal trade of these contraband items. In a review meeting with senior department officials, including Enforcement Director Shahnawaz Qasim, the Minister stressed that protecting public health is a governmental responsibility. There are indications that the government is considering equipping special enforcement staff with arms if deemed necessary for their operations. This potential measure, discussed during reviews with State Task Force (STF) and District Task Force (DTF) teams, underscores a perceived escalation in the challenges faced by enforcement personnel.

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Convictions and Coordinated Efforts Emphasized

Beyond mere seizures, there is an explicit directive to enhance conviction rates for offenses related to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, covering illicit liquor manufacturing and adulterated production. The Minister has emphasized the need for coordinated efforts with officials from neighboring states. Reports circulating about drug values reaching ₹12,000 crore have been officially clarified, with authorities stating there is no evidence for this figure, and the actual approximate value is around ₹12 crore. A 15-day special enforcement drive, from September 16 to the end of the month, involved around-the-clock raids across various potential storage sites, including trains, buses, warehouses, and rice mills.

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Departmental Performance and Historical Data

The Telangana Prohibition and Excise Department's efforts over the year show ongoing activity. Between January and August, 644 cases were registered concerning liquor, resulting in 381 arrests, the seizure of 8,201 litres, and the confiscation of 86 vehicles. Furthermore, 2,75,028 cases were registered related to the manufacture, sale, and transport of "natu sara." Data from the preceding year indicates 1,104 cases with 1,959 accused arrested, and the seizure of 6,400 kg of ganja and 736 vehicles. Specific substance seizures from the current year's data include 72.54 kg of ganja chocolates, 728.2 gm of MDMA, 127 gm of heroin, 228 gm of LSD blots, 36.79 kg of alprazolam, and 17 gm of diazepam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Telangana officials seize in their 99-day plan?
Officials in Telangana seized 185 kg of ganja in Khammam district and 16,103 litres of liquor statewide. They also confiscated other drugs like MDMA and cannabis chocolates, plus many bottles of illicit liquor.
Q: Why is Telangana's Prohibition and Excise Department doing these seizures?
These actions are part of a 99-day 'Progress Plan' to stop illegal drugs and non-duty paid liquor from entering the state. The goal is to protect public health and safety.
Q: What new measures are being considered against illegal substance trade in Telangana?
The Minister is directing strict action and considering arming special enforcement staff if needed. This shows the government is serious about fighting smugglers and traders of illegal items.
Q: What is being done to ensure criminals are punished for drug and liquor offenses in Telangana?
Officials are being told to focus on getting more convictions under the NDPS Act. They are also working with police from nearby states to catch more offenders.
Q: How does this year's crackdown compare to last year in Telangana?
This year, a 99-day plan has already led to significant seizures. Last year, over 1,100 cases were registered for liquor offenses and over 6,400 kg of ganja was seized, showing ongoing efforts.