Zero drugs policy during NY fete: Hyderabad Police Commissioner

With New Year’s Eve approaching, the Hyderabad City Police will enforce a zero drugs policy across the city to ensure drug-free celebrations, Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said on Friday.

Mr. Sajjanar chaired a high-level coordination meeting at the Integrated Command and Control Centre in Banjara Hills, where he directed senior and field officers to maintain strict surveillance across the city during the festivities. He instructed officers to remain vigilant and ensure coordinated action to prevent the use and circulation of narcotics.

A multi-layered security plan involving the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing, Task Force, Special Branch and local police units would be implemented. Special surveillance teams have been deployed at pubs, hotels, restaurants and event venues, with instructions to monitor those who were involved in drug-related cases in the past two years. Police have also been asked to prepare a list of known drug-peddlers and consumers and track people entering the city for New Year celebrations.

Private gatherings at service apartments and hostels would also be monitored to prevent illegal activities. All New Year celebrations at pubs, hotels and restaurants will be permitted only until 1.00 a.m., and strict action will be taken against violators, including cancellation of licences if illegal activities are detected.

To manage crowds, police will strengthen check-posts and barricades at key locations such as Maitrivanam, Necklace Road, Tank Bund and KBR Park. Mr. Sajjanar instructed officers to ensure that security arrangements do not inconvenience the general public and that celebrations remain peaceful.

“Our objective is that not a single drug case should be reported in Hyderabad during the New Year celebrations,” the Commissioner said.