Middlemen gone, now techies in narcotics trade

Excise department officials have busted drug rackets and arrested over 10 persons in last two months

The shortage in supplies of drugs, particularly ganja, during the Covid-19 lockdown appears to have taken the middlemen out of the equation, with techies and students, who are now peddling the stash directly from suppliers. The State Excise department alone has arrested 10 such individuals in the last two months. The alarming rate of drug busts recently in the city has the authorities concerned.

With the bulk of clientele purchasing drugs coming predominantly from the IT sector, police officials are calling on employers also to keep an eye on other aspects of their employees life and not just focus on their work.

Officials of Rachakonda police say that the IT officials should keep an eye on their employees and should conduct sessions explaining the ill-effects of these drugs and ask them not to use any of them. Police also said they are already setting up meetings and seminars at schools and colleges for warning the students. While the primary reason for procuring the drugs is addiction, they also make easy money by selling drugs within their circle, officials said. Vizag Agency area, which is a 12-15 hour drive from the city, is the main source for ganja which is peddled and sold in Hyderabad.

Being caught and using the drugs can ruin their career, said N. Anji Reddy, Asstt

Excise Superintendent of Hyderabad Enforcement team. “One should know that possession, sales, transportation and consumption of drugs is an offence punishable under section 27 of NDPS Act with a punishment for a period from 6 months to one year of imprisonment,” he said.

In the last two months, the state Excise department has arrested 10 individuals who started with consuming ganja during their college, got addicted and later turned into suppliers of the contraband by the time they gained employment. “Ganja is the gateway drug. Once you get addicted to it, you would want to try other drugs and there is no turning back. Without family supervision and control, addicts go through financial crunch and ultimately become peddlers to make money. They start by selling to their close circles initially and then expand the clientele by ultimately falling into the net of law enforcement agencies and landing in jail,” said the official.

Police officials also asked parents to keep an eye over the recreational activities of their child. “Adults should question students spending time with friends at secluded places like the cellars, terrace and open places at colonies etc. They should also ask them to be accountable of their allowances and be wary of their frequent tours to Araku, Kasol, Kodaikanal and Goa,” a police official said.