Zero Drugs Target For New Year Celebrations: Police

With the New Year celebrations approaching, the Hyderabad city police have announced a strict Zero Drugs Policy, vowing to ensure a safe and drug-free environment across the city.

City Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar chaired a high-level coordination meeting at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), Banjara Hills, and issued firm instructions to officers to maintain a "hawk-eyed vigil" throughout the festivities.

The Commissioner unveiled a multi-layered security strategy involving the H-NEW (Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing), Task Force, Special Branch and local police units, aimed at preventing drug trafficking and consumption during the celebrations.

The key measures announced to curb illicit activities included the deployment of special surveillance teams at pubs, hotels, restaurants and event venues with immediate effect; continuous monitoring of individuals involved in drug-related cases over the past two years; preparation of a comprehensive database of known drug peddlers and consumers; tracking of individuals entering the city specifically for New Year celebrations; and monitoring of private gatherings at service apartments and hostels.

The city police have mandated a 1 am closure for all New Year celebrations at pubs, hotels and restaurants. Sajjanar said that licences would be cancelled immediately if establishments were found violating the rules or facilitating illegal activities.

To manage crowd movement, check-posts and barricades would be strengthened at major locations, including Maitrivanam, Necklace Road, Tank Bund and KBR Park. However, while security should be tight, the Commissioner stressed that the public should not face unnecessary inconvenience.

"Our goal is that not a single drug case should be reported in Hyderabad during the New Year celebrations. Special forces are being deployed, and all officers must work in coordination to uphold the prestige of the city police," Sajjanar said.