Telangana: MediCiti Students Test Positive for Marijuana; Two Peddlers Arrested by EAGLE

Quick Summary

• Nine students from MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences, Ghanpur, tested positive for marijuana use following investigations by the hyderabad EAGLE unit (Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement).
• The nine hostelers were identified through UPI transaction trails connected to a pool of 100 suspected customers, including 32 medical students.
• Drug testing was conducted on 24 individuals; usage was confirmed in nine cases, including two female students.They have as been admitted to a de-addiction and rehabilitation center after counseling sessions with parents and the college principal.
• Investigations originated from the arrest of Arfath Ahmed Khan (23), caught with 2 kilograms of marijuana on August 1. Arfath sourced drugs from Zareena Banu (46), an interstate supplier based in Bidar, Karnataka.
• Zareena Banu was arrested on August 5 with 4 kilograms of marijuana worth ₹1 lakh and has been active in trade as at least 2010. Her network utilizes UPI platforms and cash transactions for distributions across hyderabad.
• Financial probes revealed ₹26 lakh linked to transactions involving drug peddlers in Hyderabad, alongside another ₹1.24 crore under examination relating to broader suspicious activity.
• Authorities suspect connections between Zareena’s network and nearly 100 active drug distributors in Hyderabad pointing to ₹1.5 crore worth of suspicious monetary transfers under scrutiny.
• Telangana officials have ordered periodic drug testing across educational institutions statewide; college administrators were instructed to report any signs or suspicions promptly.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This incident highlights pressing challenges regarding substance abuse among youth within educational settings-notably those entrusted with studying critical fields like medicine-which can affect professional integrity long-term if unchecked. The identification process using technology like UPI transaction trails demonstrates a robust investigative approach but also underscores how digital platforms are being exploited in illicit activities such as narcotic distribution.

the response from authorities-counseling sessions followed by rehabilitation measures-is commendable for balancing accountability with recovery-focused solutions rather of solely punitive actions against affected individuals.However, the revelations about expansive financial networks tied to over ₹1 crore raise broader concerns about inter-state supply chains feeding urban markets via systematic channels that clearly require sustained attention beyond this immediate case.

Periodic institution-level drug tests mandated across telangana signal proactive governance but may also necessitate deeper policy revisions aimed at education and prevention efforts targeting young populations vulnerable to such influences early on.

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