Khammam (Telangana): Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) CV Anand, an IPS officer of 1991 batch, has described drug peddlers as a greater threat than Maoists, warning that narcotics traffickers are infiltrating households and posing a serious danger to society. Calling for an uncompromising crackdown on ganja cultivation and trafficking, the state’s top police officer directed the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) to intensify operations against the drug network.
Speaking to the media after reviewing law and order with senior police officials in Khammam on Tuesday, the DGP said the decline in Maoist activity has coincided with an increase in illegal cannabis cultivation and smuggling, making drug trafficking one of the state’s most pressing law enforcement challenges.
‘Drug Peddlers More Dangerous Than Maoists’
Highlighting the growing menace of narcotics, DGP Anand said drug traffickers pose a greater threat because they are destroying families and the future of the youth.
He observed that while Maoists traditionally opposed cannabis cultivation in forest areas and even punished those involved in such activities, the weakening of Maoist influence has created opportunities for illegal ganja cultivation and trafficking networks to expand.
He stressed that the EAGLE force must come down with an “iron hand” on those involved in the cultivation, transportation and sale of cannabis.
Seize Properties, Invoke PD Act
The DGP directed the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) and district police to work in close coordination to dismantle narcotics networks.
He said stringent measures should include:
- Seizure of assets acquired through ganja cultivation and trafficking.
- Invoking the Preventive Detention (PD) Act against habitual offenders.
- Intensifying coordinated operations against drug syndicates.
According to Anand, targeting the economic backbone of traffickers is essential to eliminating the drug trade.
Maoist Threat Has Declined, Not Ended
While noting that Maoist violence has significantly reduced in Telangana, the DGP cautioned against assuming that Left-Wing Extremism has been completely eliminated.
He said surveillance over surrendered Maoists should continue for another one to two years to ensure successful rehabilitation and prevent any return to extremist activities.
Anand also clarified that the elite Greyhounds anti-Naxal force has not been disbanded.
Of its approximately 1,100 personnel, around 500 have been transferred to another unit, while the remaining 600 personnel continue to serve in Greyhounds and are engaged in monitoring rehabilitation efforts and maintaining vigilance.
Traffic Management Bureau Planned
The DGP also announced the state’s plan to establish a Traffic Management Bureau, modeled on the functioning of the EAGLE force.
The proposed specialised bureau will focus on improving road safety, traffic enforcement and scientific traffic management across Telangana.
Praise for Khammam Police on Cybercrime
Anand commended the Khammam police for their effective handling of cybercrime cases and urged officers to continue treating cyber offences as a top priority.
He instructed district police to:
- Strengthen surveillance of social media platforms.
- Improve conviction rates.
- Conduct regular surprise inspections.
- Enhance overall policing efficiency.
Special Team Formed in CPI(M) Leader Murder Case
Referring to the murder of CPI(M) leader Samineni Rama Rao, the DGP said he has constituted a special investigation team to trace and arrest the accused.
He expressed confidence that the investigation would make significant progress within the next month.
Senior Officers Present
The review meeting was attended by:
- IGP Chandrasekhar Reddy
- Khammam Commissioner of Police Sunil Dutt
- EAGLE Force SP Giridhar
- Other senior police officials
The meeting focused on law and order, anti-drug operations, cybercrime prevention and strengthening policing strategies across the region.
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