In a major crackdown on drug abuse within the city's nightlife, Hyderabad police officials have arrested four disc jockeys (DJs) for performing at pubs under the influence of narcotics. The action came after an extensive surveillance operation targeting performers across the city.
City-Wide Surveillance Nets Four DJs
Officials from the Enforcement Agency for Greyhound and Law Enforcement (EAGLE) revealed that they had been monitoring performers at various events. Out of approximately 500 performers scanned, the agency shortlisted 51 DJs suspected of drug abuse for close observation. During this operation, the four DJs were caught and tested positive for drugs through urine analysis.
The police confirmed that the four individuals had consumed drugs before arriving at the pubs to perform. Notably, the EAGLE teams, which included 15 dedicated squads, did not find any customers consuming drugs at the venues, including pubs and resorts. The focus remained squarely on the performers.
Pubs Face Severe Repercussions
The establishments where the DJs were caught are now facing serious legal and administrative consequences. Police stated that despite prior warnings to the managements of these four pubs to ensure their performers were drug-free, the instructions were ignored.
"From now on, these four pubs will be under our surveillance. The Excise Department and GHMC will be alerted and asked not to renew their establishment licences," a police official said. Authorities are also actively considering registering criminal cases against the pubs for negligence.
The four apprehended DJs will be sent to a de-addiction centre for rehabilitation. Meanwhile, the surveillance on the remaining 47 shortlisted DJs from the original list continues as part of the ongoing operation.
Sniffer Dog Aids in Separate Ganja Bust
In a related incident highlighting the broader crackdown on narcotics, a trained police dog played a crucial role in a drug seizure in Adilabad. The canine, while on duty at Vinayak Chowk, detected and helped officers apprehend 38-year-old Sohail Ahmed.
Police recovered six grams of ganja from Ahmed, which was packed in two separate packets. This incident underscores the multi-pronged approach being used by law enforcement across the region to combat the drug trade.
The coordinated actions in Hyderabad and Adilabad signal a stringent stance by Telangana police against drug consumption and distribution, particularly targeting influencers within the entertainment and nightlife sectors.
