Drug cases surge in Telangana by over 470% since 2017

Telangana sees surge in NDPS cases, drug seizures, and arrests, with 2024 marking record highs, continuing into 2025.

Telangana witnessed a sharp rise in cases booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act over the past few years, with 2024 marking an all-time high.

In 2017, the State recorded 381 NDPS cases, which surged to 2,181 in 2024, an increase of over 470%.

The trend has been reflected in drug seizures as well, particularly marijuana, which remains the most commonly trafficked substance. While authorities confiscated 7,423 kilograms in 2017, seizures peaked at 38,572 kilograms in 2021. Although the numbers have since declined, the quantity seized in 2024 still stood at a substantial 21,871 kilograms.

Arrests have also surged. In 2017, 826 Indians and 29 foreign nationals were taken into custody in NDPS cases. By 2021, that number had grown significantly to 3,167 Indian and 13 foreign suspects. The highest figures were recorded in 2024, when 5,258 Indians and 18 foreigners were apprehended, marking a six-fold rise in local arrests since 2017.

The momentum was carried into the new year, with 183 NDPS cases already registered by January 2025, making up 8.3% of 2024’s total. Similarly, 160 ganja-related cases were booked within the first month, while drug seizures continued at a steady pace. Authorities had already confiscated 561 kilograms of ganja by January, equivalent to 2.5% of the previous year’s total, and 43.3 kilograms of other drugs, compared to 174.9 kilograms in 2024.

As per the information shared by the Telangana’s Anti Narcotics Bureau (TGANB), in 2024, a total of 2,785 cases led to the disposal of drugs worth ₹210.49 crore. By February 15, 2025, drugs worth ₹47.52 crore had already been disposed of across 1,036 cases, indicating a sustained focus on clearing seized contraband.

“The arrest of foreign nationals under the NDPS Act also shows an early rise in 2025. In 2024, a total of 17 foreigners were apprehended, with the highest number being from Nigeria - 9, followed by Tanzania - 3, and others from Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, and Nepal. However, by January 2025 alone, four foreign nationals from Nepal had already been arrested, indicating ongoing vigilance by law enforcement agencies,” said an officer from the bureau.