The EAGLE Force of Telangana has launched a special Statewide drive to trace and apprehend absconding accused in narcotics cases, resulting in the arrest of 75 accused within four days.
The drive was launched on the instructions of Director General of Police to address the pendency of absconding accused in NDPS cases. Police data shows that a total of 3,228 absconding, wanted or non-bailable warrant accused have been identified nationwide in NDPS cases registered in Telangana, of whom 1,278 are from within the State.
The special drive commenced on January 29, and within four days, EAGLE Force teams apprehended 75 absconding accused, who were subsequently handed over to the police stations concerned.
Director of EAGLE, Sandeep Shandilya said that detailed interrogation reports were prepared and urine tests were conducted transparently in the presence of family members. “Thirty-eight of the 75 persons tested negative, which they said highlighted the importance of sustained monitoring, counselling and rehabilitation. The drive will continue throughout February,” said the officer.
Mr. Shandilya said that the strategy now focuses on controlling both the supply and demand sides of the drug trade.
“Consumers and their parents are treated with utmost respect and are encouraged to leave drugs. The Health and Social Justice departments provide necessary support to help them come out of addiction and integrate into society. If they attend a de-addiction centre, the case is automatically withdrawn. All consumers are requested to quit this habit and clean their records,” he said.
Separately, acting on reliable information, an EAGLE team led by Inspector Ravinder tracked a suspect phone number linked to drug transportation from Kalimela in Odisha. Police said they learnt that two persons were travelling by bus to Peddapalli carrying marijuana in two college bags.
The team also apprehended Katkuri Venu, 25, and Polaveni Anil, 26, at around 2.30 a.m. at Mahabubabad bus station and seized about 10 kg of marijuana packed in five packets. Investigators said the duo were acting on the instructions of Naveen from Karimnagar, identified as the main financier, who allegedly offered them ₹10,000 each for transporting the contraband from Kalimela to Karimnagar. The accused and the seized material were handed over to Mahabubabad Town Police Station for further action.
Published – February 05, 2026 12:41 am IST
