Cops Checking Role of International Cartels in Opium Supply

HYDERABAD: In their intensified push to curb the illegal drug menace in the city, the police are currently probing drug supply routes and checking the involvement of the international drug mafia in supplying highly addictive opium and similar substances.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Rachakonda police commissioner G. Sudheer Babu said: “We are not sure, but are not ruling out the possibilities of foreign drug peddlers supplying drugs from the borders of Rajasthan and surrounding states. We will suppress the drug mafia and put an iron heel on the transportation and use of drugs; they have no place in society.”

“The arrest of two peddlers from Rajasthan and seizure of 3.5 kg opium and 45 grams of poppy straw is an indication that the opium, cultivated on a large scale in Afghanistan, is possibly being smuggled into the country,” a senior police officer of the Hyderabad commissionerate said.

Sudheer Babu said the police in the tri-commissionerate areas are coordinating their efforts in this regard to curb drug peddling, make arrests, prosecute and get those responsible convicted by training officers to deal with NDPS cases, investigation and evidence collection to increase convictions.

“We have intensified physical patrolling on highways as interstate ganja peddlers from Odisha and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh pass through the highways that fall under Rachakonda commissionerate. On Sunday night, our teams conducted surprise raids in nine pubs and will continue to do so at pubs, farmhouses and private places based on our intel,” Babu said.

Citing Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s zero-drug policy for renewed efforts, Babu said that they have held meetings with special branches, SOTs and other departments to solidify their action.

On Monday, cops holding the rank of inspector and above took part in a seminar and workshop titled ‘Procedural Excellence in NDPS Cases’ organised by the Rachakonda police at GSI Auditorium in Bandlaguda. They were also issued handbooks on investigation procedures in cases pertaining to illicit substances.

At the event, Babu directed officers to take strict measures to curb drug trafficking and consumption in the Rachakonda commissionerate.

“In addition to the regular inspections at checkposts, SOTs have conducted operations, registering several cases against gangs supplying ganja, opium and heroin. The present conviction rate in NDPS cases is 22 per cent and 18 per cent in cases of deadly drugs. Very soon, by imposing PD Act and undertaking foolproof investigations, the conviction rate will be increased,” the commissioner said.

Babu also appealed to students not to fall prey to the use of prohibited drugs and other intoxicants.