Latest news with #SandeepShandilya
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- The Hindu
Adulterated toddy racket exposed
A narcotics racket involving the supply of Alprazolam-laced toddy has been unearthed by the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) following a coordinated crackdown across Kamareddy, Sangareddy and Nizamabad districts. The operation was triggered by back-to-back hospitalisations in early April, where over 95 people in Kamareddy district fell seriously ill after consuming spiked toddy, said Director of TGANB, Sandeep Shandilya. On April 8, more than 75 individuals from Nasrullabad mandal were hospitalised. A day later, another 20 from Gandhari mandal faced similar symptoms. 'Tests on their blood and urine samples confirmed the presence of benzodiazepines, including Alprazolam and Diazepam. These substances, typically used for treating anxiety and sleep disorders, are dangerously addictive and were being mixed into locally sold toddy,' explained the officer. In response, the TGANB and local police launched raids on toddy shops. Two criminal cases were filed and four people were arrested. Around 1,087 grams of Alprazolam were seized, and field kits confirmed adulteration in the toddy samples. Investigations revealed that the accused only held licences for toddy tapping, not for compounding or distribution. In Zaheerabad, based on surveillance, police arrested three individuals and seized 770 grams of Alprazolam along with ₹7.5 lakh in cash. The drugs were manufactured in an illegal lab located in Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra. The TGANB passed on the intelligence, leading to a raid by Maharashtra's Srirampur policemen, who uncovered a massive factory. They seized 69.76 kg of Alprazolam valued at ₹17.44 crore and 338 kg of raw materials worth ₹6.76 crore. Further leads brought the operation to Bodhan in Nizamabad district. On May 16, four suspects from Maharashtra were caught while delivering Alprazolam to a local contact. A total of 2.5 kg of the drug, a car, ₹2.5 lakh in cash and eight mobile phones were seized. Three other accused persons were identified but remain absconding. On May 27, another 30 kg of Alprazolam was seized from National Highway 65 near Omerga in Maharashtra, along with a four-wheeler. The bureau urged people to report any suspicious toddy adulteration through the toll-free number 1908 or email tsnabho-hyd@ Informants will be protected and rewarded appropriately.
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Empowering school safety champions: ‘Suraksha Kavach' orientation session held in city
Hyderabad: Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty emphasised the importance of forming structured 'Suraksha Kavach' / Safety Clubs in schools to raise awareness on physical safety, cyber safety, substance abuse, and road safety. During the orientation programme under the initiative 'Suraksha Kavach' conducted on Monday at Cyberabad Commissioner office, the commissioner stressed that basic civic sense should be instilled from childhood, as today's children are tomorrow's leaders. The orientation was conducted by Cyberabad Police in association with the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC). The session was attended by TGANB Director Sandeep Shandilya, TGANB DIG Abhishek Mohanty, SB DCP Sai Sri, SCSC General Secretary Ramesh Kaza, Dr Vanitha Datla, Jt Secretary, Children & Youth Safety Forum, SCSC. SCSC CEO Naved Khan, school principals, and educators. Project Suraksha Kavach, an initiative of SCSC, centred on four key safety pillars: Physical, Cyber, Psychological, and Road Safety. It included discussions on substance abuse prevention, online safety, emotional well-being, and responsible mobility. Dr Vanitha, Jt Secretary C&Y Safety Forum, SCSC programme highlighted the importance of Prahari Clubs and Suraksha Kavach in cultivating safe learning environments. TGANB Director Sandeep Shandilya emphasised on shaping children with strong moral values and confidence to say 'No' to drugs. He urged both Government and private schools to proactively organise awareness programmes. Highlighting the severe effects of drugs on the human body, he detailed how drug use damages epithelial tissues and impairs brain function. He also addressed the importance of de-addiction centres, legal awareness through PECA 2019, and educational outreach. Shandilya called upon youth, educators, NGOs, and citizens to act as 'Anti-Drug Soldiers.' Students excelling in creative awareness activities like essay writing, debates, street plays, and short films are encouraged to submit entries to [email protected]. The session concluded with an engaging interactive discussion and a collective pledge from school leaders to implement the safety protocols and strategies discussed during the event. For school safety club-related information, write to [email protected].
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Time of India
Online platforms peddle potent strain seeds as souvenirs
Hyderabad: The availability of high-potency cannabis strains in Hyderabad is increasingly facilitated through online platforms. Websites such as Jonjo Seeds and MT Seed Bank are offering seeds of OG Kush—a strain renowned for its high THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content—under the pretense of souvenir sales. One listing on Jonjo Seeds advertises 10 seeds for ₹3,999, while attempting to maintain legal distance by labelling the sale as 'for informational and educational use only.' The site includes a disclaimer warning that germination is a criminal offence in India, yet also highlights the relaxing effects of OG Kush , describing its aroma as a blend of "fuel, skunk, and spice." Despite these disclaimers, the seeds are reportedly being grown discreetly in balconies and private gardens across Hyderabad. Advocate Duvvuri Suryanarayana, an expert in narcotics law, clarified that "seeds alone do not fall under the NDPS Act , but cultivation does," making any act of germination a prosecutable offence under section 8(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Mysterious Photos That Cannot Be Explained True Edition Undo Cannabis supply chain In a series of recent enforcement actions, Hyderabad police recovered significant quantities of OG Kush from various parts of the city. On April 16, excise officials at Kacheguda railway station apprehended a software engineer and a real estate manager in possession of 500 grams of OG Kush and other substances worth over ₹40 lakh. In March, an additional 203 grams were seized during raids in Ameerpet and Nampally. A separate operation in Sun City led to the arrest of a US national and his associate for trafficking OG Kush sourced from Mumbai. Officials suggest these incidents reveal an evolving drug network—shifting from traditional trafficking routes to hyper-local, tech-facilitated operations. "Online platforms are increasingly selling seed drugs like ganja. It's hard to monitor. Even ganja chocolates were sold earlier," said TGNAB director Sandeep Shandilya. He said that the Narcotics Control Bureau is aware of these online sales, though current legislation does not explicitly prohibit drug-related advertisements. Underground market Sellers often turn to the dark web, using Tor browsers and cryptocurrency transactions to maintain anonymity beyond conventional platforms. Meanwhile, social media serves as an informal storefront—where dealers share coded advertisements and connect with buyers through private messages.
