DRI Busts Major Cannabis Haul Worth Rs 7 Crore at Hyderabad Airport Amid Rising Drug Raids in Telangana

In a high-profile seizure, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted over 7 kg of cannabis, valued at approximately Rs 7 crore, from two passengers at Hyderabad's international airport. The operation took place on October 31, spotlighting ongoing drug enforcement efforts across Telangana as authorities crack down on illegal narcotics networks.

DRI officials, acting on specific intelligence, targeted two Indian nationals who had just arrived from Bangkok. A thorough inspection of their checked luggage revealed 13 vacuum-sealed transparent packets, each strategically hidden inside cereal boxes. Inside these packets was a sticky green substance that, after testing, was confirmed as hydroponic cannabis—a highly potent form of marijuana cultivated using water-based systems. The total weight of the seized substance was precisely 7.096 kg.

Both passengers were detained under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. Following the arrest, they were remanded into judicial custody, and investigations are underway to identify potential links within broader drug distribution networks.

Recent Raids Uncover Expanding Drug Networks in Telangana

This airport operation comes on the heels of significant drug-related discoveries across Telangana, underscoring an intensified crackdown on narcotics distribution in the region. Just a day prior to the DRI's bust at the airport, officials from Telangana’s Drugs Control Administration and the Prohibition and Excise Department raided GV Saluja Hospital in Secunderabad. The raid uncovered large stashes of controlled substances, including fentanyl, ketamine hydrochloride, pentazocine, and midazolam injections, which were stored without the necessary NDPS licenses for legal possession and distribution.

Adding to the series of raids, a high-profile operation was conducted last week by the Cyberabad police, alongside a special operations team and excise officials, at a farmhouse in Janwada, near Hyderabad. The farmhouse, allegedly linked to a prominent Telangana businessman, was suspected of being a venue for unlicensed distribution of alcohol and narcotics. Authorities found a significant amount of foreign liquor, including seven imported bottles totaling 10.5 liters, alongside ten bottles of Indian-made liquor. The seized alcohol was reportedly being served without proper licensing, according to the police.

The Larger Fight Against Drug Abuse and Illegal Distribution

These recent discoveries indicate a rising trend in both the illicit storage and unlicensed distribution of narcotics and controlled substances within Telangana. The DRI’s interception of hydroponic cannabis at Hyderabad Airport, combined with raids on hospitals and private properties, signals the state’s heightened vigilance against organized drug distribution.

Drug enforcement officials highlight that hydroponic cannabis is increasingly trafficked into India due to its high potency and profitability. As law enforcement agencies clamp down on this trend, operations like the recent airport seizure serve as critical disruptions to illegal narcotics supply chains.

A Broader Effort Towards Public Safety

These incidents reflect a broader call for stringent law enforcement and public awareness. The NDPS Act, which imposes harsh penalties on those found guilty of producing, storing, or distributing controlled substances, plays a key role in this crackdown. With rising instances of drug seizures, the need for rigorous checks, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and public cooperation is more pressing than ever to combat the spread of illegal substances.

As Telangana continues its drive against the narcotics trade, both state and central authorities are likely to reinforce anti-drug initiatives, signaling a proactive approach to safeguarding the community.