Over 150 individuals were arrested and drug seizures worth over ₹3 crore were reported by the Telangana Prohibition and Excise Department in the past three months alone. Excise Enforcement Director Shahnawaz Qasim said that six special drives were conducted against illegal trade of drugs including ganja, non-duty paid liquor, and illicitly distilled liquor between June and August. During these operations, authorities seized 427.9 kg of ganja, 419.21 grams of hashish oil, 26 grams of MDMA, 19 grams of cocaine, 134 LSD blots, 0.8 kg of ganja chocolates, 106 ganja plants, and 1.4 kg of alprazolam. A total of 98 cases were registered, 156 individuals were arrested, and 48 vehicles used for trafficking were confiscated. Officials noted that traffickers have increasingly resorted to using weapons to transport and sell narcotics, underlining the seriousness of the trade. Despite continuous surveillance and coordinated action by the Special Operations Team, Telangana State Narcotics Bureau, Eagle teams, and police units, the flow of contraband across State borders continues unabated. The department highlighted that the indifference of certain States towards ganja cultivation has turned into a major challenge for neighbouring regions, while the easy availability of synthetic drugs imported from abroad poses a growing threat to the younger population. Figures show that enforcement efforts have intensified over the years. In 2024, 652 cases were booked, 997 people were arrested, and 257 vehicles were seized. That year, 3,579 kg of ganja, 446 ganja plants, 1.34 kg of hashish oil, 6.33 kg of opium, 97 grams of MDMA, 37 LSD blots, and 8.47 kg of alprazolam were seized. In 2025 so far, the numbers have climbed further, with 880 cases registered, 1,625 arrests made, and 462 vehicles seized. Authorities have also confiscated 3,681 kg of ganja, 66.22 kg of ganja chocolates, 43.66 grams of cocaine, 104.3 grams of hashish oil, and 9.61 kg of alprazolam. Mr. Qasim said the department will continue enforcement, combining surveillance with targeted raids.