Hyderabad Police Conduct Major Narcotics Screening Drive, 189 Test Positive
In a significant anti-drug operation, the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) and task force police conducted narcotics screening for 239 individuals on Thursday. The drive, organized under the instructions of Hyderabad Commissioner of Police VC Sajjanar, targeted history-sheeters, miscreants, and persons with prior NDPS case histories.
Widespread Testing Across Multiple Hospitals
Medical tests were carried out at three key healthcare facilities: Osmania General Hospital (OGH), Gandhi Hospital, and the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Erragadda. The results revealed a high prevalence of drug abuse among those screened.
- At Gandhi Hospital, 70 persons were tested, with 44 returning positive results.
- At OGH, 80 persons were tested, and 59 were found positive.
- At IMH, 89 persons were tested, and 86 tested positive.
In total, 189 individuals tested positive for narcotic substances, accounting for approximately 79% of those screened. Among the positive cases, about 100 are history-sheeters, while the rest include miscreants and individuals with documented histories of drug abuse.
Substances Detected and Legal Actions
Task Force DCP Vaibhav Gaikwad provided details on the substances identified. "Most of them tested positive for ganja use, while some tested positive for benzodiazepine," he stated. Those who tested positive received immediate counselling from doctors on the harmful effects of drug abuse and the importance of rehabilitation.
Cases are being registered against the positive individuals under the NDPS Act, and they are required to attend counselling sessions at rehabilitation centres as part of the legal process.
Ongoing Efforts and Community Appeal
DCP Gaikwad emphasized that the task force and H-NEW will continue their anti-narcotic drives while focusing on recovery through proper counselling and rehabilitation programs. "We urge everyone to stay away from drugs and support a healthy and safe community," he added, highlighting the broader goal of fostering a drug-free environment in Hyderabad.
This coordinated effort underscores the police's commitment to combating drug abuse through enforcement and support mechanisms, aiming to reduce recidivism and promote public health.
