Telangana’s Eagle unit struggles with over 1,100 absconding in 2023 drug cases

HYDERABAD: The Eagle unit, set up by the Telangana government to curb narcotics, is facing hurdles as several accused remain absconding. Many are believed to be in other states or abroad, making their trace difficult. Even those living locally have evaded arrest for months.

Over 1,100 accused from 2023 cases still absconding

As per official data, 1,131 accused in cases registered during 2023 are still on the run. In the first seven months of 2025, police arrested 3,412 persons in drug-related cases, but 1,876 others remain absconding. Investigations and filing of charge sheets are delayed when key accused are not caught, which in turn postpones trials and sentencing.

Drug consumption is rising across Telangana, spreading even into engineering and medical colleges. The Eagle unit seizes narcotics worth about ₹10 crore every month, including heroin, cocaine and hydroponic cannabis. Recently, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized hydroponic cannabis worth ₹12 crore at Shamshabad airport.

Officials noted that harsh punishments under narcotics laws deter repeat offenders, but such deterrence weakens when trials are delayed. They are now considering closer coordination with other states to trace absconding accused.