Telangana DGP C.V. Anand vows drug-free state, drug cases up 87% since 2023
Synopsis
Telangana's new DGP C.V. Anand didn't start with routine reviews — he went straight to EAGLE Force, the state's anti-drug unit, signalling a clear priority. With drug cases nearly doubling and foreign cartels being deported, the state is framing its narcotics war as the next Maoist-free mission — and this time, schools and dark-web networks are both in the crosshairs.
Key Takeaways
Anand reviewed EAGLE Force on 7 May 2025 as his first priority after taking charge.
Drug case registrations rose from 1,464 in 2023 to 2,734 in 2025 , an increase of approximately 87% .
Arrests climbed from 3,157 to 5,703 ; Telangana's arrest-per-case ratio of 3.1 is more than double the national average of 1.3 .
Approximately 93 foreign nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, and Sudan have been deported following cartel busts.
Conviction rate improved from 19% to 28% ; surveillance extended to dark web and cryptocurrency transactions.
Mandatory anti-drug declaration forms proposed for students; institutions that conceal incidents face police action.
Telangana's newly appointed Director General of Police C.V. Anand on Thursday, 7 May urged the entire state police force to collaborate in eradicating drugs with the same resolve that made Telangana Maoist-free. Addressing a review of the Elite Action Group for the Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Force in Hyderabad, Anand outlined an aggressive, technology-driven strategy to dismantle narcotics networks — from street-level suppliers to foreign syndicates.
Why EAGLE Force Was the First Review
Despite multiple police wings awaiting review after taking charge, DGP Anand chose to first assess EAGLE Force — a signal of his administration's priority. He drew a direct parallel to how the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) and the elite Greyhounds unit dismantled Maoist networks, stating that EAGLE Force must play a similar intelligence and investigative backbone role across all districts. District Superintendents of Police and Commissioners of Police have been directed to work in close coordination with EAGLE Force as state-level investigations are expanded to the ground level.
Drug Cases Nearly Double in Two Years
Data presented during the review revealed a sharp rise in enforcement activity. Drug case registrations climbed from 1,464 cases in 2023 to 2,734 cases in 2025 — an increase of approximately 87%. Arrests rose from 3,157 in 2023 to 5,703 in 2025. Notably, Telangana's arrest-per-case average stands at 3.1, more than double the national average of 1.3, suggesting that enforcement is reaching beyond street-level dealers to the organisers and masterminds behind supply chains. The conviction rate has also improved, rising from 19% to 28%, according to officials.
Foreign Syndicates, Hawala Networks and Courier Smuggling Busted
Officials briefed the DGP on operations against Nigerian drug cartels and hawala networks operating out of Goa and Delhi, with photo and video evidence presented. Investigations revealed that drug money was being laundered to foreign countries, disguised as payments for garments and groceries. Smuggling through courier services including DHL and FedEx was detected using technology. Approximately 93 foreign nationals — from Nigeria, Ghana, Sudan, and other countries — have been deported. Anand directed officials to maintain continuous surveillance on social media, the dark web, and cryptocurrency transactions, and to deploy digital forensics and geo-location tracking to apprehend suspects. EAGLE Force currently coordinates four Narcotic Police Stations across Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Rachakonda, and Warangal commissionerates, supported by seven regional cells and 20 enforcement wings.
Schools, Colleges and Community Committees in Focus
Anand called upon citizens to become active partners in curbing drug abuse, particularly for the welfare of children. He noted that while nearly 4,500 Anti-Drug Committees have been formed across the state, they are not fully achieving their objectives. A new proposal is being prepared to form comprehensive committees in schools and colleges covering not just drugs, but also ragging, cybercrime, women's safety, child molestation, road safety, and traffic rules. A mandatory
Point of View
Financially sophisticated, and increasingly digital. The 87% rise in case registrations reflects better enforcement, but also a supply problem that policing alone cannot solve. The school-level declaration form is symbolic; the real test is whether the 4,500 Anti-Drug Committees that already exist but are reportedly underperforming will be restructured with teeth, not just expanded in number.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is C.V. Anand and what has he announced?
C.V. Anand is Telangana's newly appointed Director General of Police. On 7 May 2025, he reviewed EAGLE Force and directed the entire police force to collaborate in making Telangana drug-free, drawing a parallel to the state's earlier success in eliminating Maoist activity.
What is EAGLE Force in Telangana?
EAGLE Force stands for Elite Action Group for the Drug Law Enforcement Force. It is a specialised anti-narcotics unit that provides intelligence and investigative support to all districts, coordinating with four Narcotic Police Stations and 20 enforcement wings across the state.
How much have drug cases increased in Telangana?
Drug case registrations increased from 1,464 in 2023 to 2,734 in 2025 — a rise of approximately 87%. Arrests rose from 3,157 to 5,703 in the same period, with Telangana's arrest-per-case ratio at 3.1 versus a national average of 1.3.
What action has been taken against foreign drug networks?
Telangana police have busted Nigerian drug cartels and hawala networks operating from Goa and Delhi. Approximately 93 foreign nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Sudan, and other countries have been deported. Courier-based smuggling via DHL and FedEx has also been detected using technology.
What new measures are being proposed for schools and colleges?
A mandatory 'I will not take drugs' declaration form is being proposed for students at admission. Comprehensive committees covering drugs, ragging, cybercrime, and women's safety are being planned. Institutions that fail to report drug incidents and are later found out by EAGLE Force will face action.
