DCA operation exposes major drug trafficking network in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: In a major crackdown, the Drugs Control Administration of Telangana, along with the Prohibition and Excise Department, has dismantled a network involved in the illegal procurement, stocking, and sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Hyderabad on October 30, 2024.
During a coordinated operation at GV Saluja Hospital in Rezimental Bazar, Secunderabad, authorities seized narcotic drugs, including Fentanyl, Ketamine, Pentazocine, and Midazolam injections. The raid revealed that the hospital, owned by Rajender Singh Saluja, had stocked these substances without the necessary NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) license.
The drugs seized at GV Saluja Hospital included 98 ampoules of Fentanyl injections (100 mcg/2 ml), 20 vials of Ketamine hydrochloride injections (50 mg/10 ml), 70 ampoules of Pentazocine injections (30 mg/1 ml), 9 vials of Midazolam injections (1 mg/ml), and 12 vials of Succinyl Choline injections (10 ml).
The operation was launched following credible intelligence regarding illegal activities. Officers from the Secunderabad Zone of the Drugs Control Administration, along with teams from the Special Task Force (STF) and Drug Task Force (DTF) of the Prohibition and Excise Department, executed the raid on October 30.
Neha Bhagwath, a resident of Moulali, Malkajgiri, has been identified as a key supplier of these narcotic drugs. Previously arrested under the NDPS Act, Neha illegally procured drugs and stocked them at her residence, where significant quantities were also found during a subsequent raid. The drugs seized from her residence included 400 ampoules of FORTRAYS (Pentazocine Lactate) injections (30 mg/1 ml), 200 ampoules of Rumorf (Morphine Sulphate) injections (10 mg/ml), 100 ampoules of Rufenyl (Fentanyl Citrate) injections (10 ml), and several transdermal patches.
Neha confessed to sourcing these narcotic drugs from Dinesh, the owner of Pioneer Drug House in Nagpur.
In total, four individuals were arrested, including Neha Bhagwath and three staff members from GV Saluja Hospital. Meanwhile, Rajender Singh Saluja, along with his wife, Dr. Amrutha Singh Saluja, and Dinesh, are currently absconding.
Further investigations and raids are ongoing at various hospitals in Hyderabad linked to this illegal supply network. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act at the Secunderabad Prohibition and Excise Station.
V.B. Kamalasan Reddy, Director General of the Drugs Control Administration and Director of Prohibition and Excise highlighted that all hospitals and pharmacies must hold a valid NDPS license to handle narcotic drugs. He warned that the illegal possession, purchase, and sale of these substances are serious offenses under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985.
The abuse of narcotic drugs poses severe health risks, including addiction, overdose, and various physical and mental health complications. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant against drug abuse and to report any suspicious or illegal drug-related activities, including those involving narcotic and psychotropic substances. Reports can be made through our toll-free number, 1800-599-6969, which is available from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on all working days.
Hyderabad Drug Bust: Illegal Stock of Narcotics and Psychotropics Seized in Joint Operation
In a major crackdown on the illegal trade of narcotics, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, in collaboration with the Prohibition & Excise Department, conducted raids… pic.twitter.com/ia1izNabXU
— Sudhakar Udumula (@sudhakarudumula) October 30, 2024