Hyderabad Drug Bust: Six Individuals, Including DJ and Couple with Infant, Sent to Rehabilitation Center
In a significant enforcement action, six individuals, including a DJ and a couple with an eight-month-old infant, have been shifted to a rehabilitation center in Erragadda, Hyderabad. This move comes after they tested positive for drug abuse at an event held at Taramati Baradari. The incident has sparked concerns over drug use at social gatherings in the city.
Details of the Drug Testing and Rehabilitation
The individuals were admitted to the rehabilitation center on Sunday evening, where they will remain until April 23. Among those who tested positive, the DJ was found to have amphetamines in his system, while the other five individuals tested positive for ganja. Authorities from the Enforcement Agency for Ganja and Liquor Enforcement (EAGLE) conducted surprise checks at the event, titled "More Than Friends," which attracted nearly 400 attendees on Saturday night.
Notably, the couple with the infant was part of the group that tested positive. Officials confirmed that the baby was not present at the event and inquired whether the woman had breastfed the child while under the influence of drugs. It was verified that she had not done so, alleviating immediate health concerns for the infant.
Profiles of the Accused and Police Investigation
According to police reports, the six accused include a model and aspiring artist, three businesspersons (including the couple), and an analyst working in a pharmaceutical company. The individuals claimed they had consumed drugs prior to arriving at the venue. EAGLE officials stated that their teams conducted urine tests without disrupting the event, using testing kits to identify drug use.
"We suspect one of the six individuals may have disposed of narcotics upon noticing the police presence," an EAGLE official said. This has prompted a deeper investigation into the supply network to trace the source of the drugs. Authorities are also planning to contact family members of the accused to ensure they undergo de-addiction programs, emphasizing a rehabilitative approach.
Broader Context and Legal Actions
This case marks the second such incident in the past week involving enforcement action at special events hosted in pubs. Recently, seven individuals were caught at an event in Kondapur, indicating a pattern of drug abuse at social gatherings in Hyderabad. The Golconda police have registered a case against the six individuals from the Taramati Baradari event.
Authorities are now gathering information about potential drug abusers by examining who booked tickets for the event, aiming to prevent future occurrences. This proactive measure highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse in the city, with a focus on both enforcement and rehabilitation.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing drug use at large-scale events and the importance of community awareness and support in addressing substance abuse issues.
