The Malkajgiri police have intensified anti-drug surveillance measures across educational and hostel hubs in Dilsukhnagar and LB Nagar, with drone monitoring, spot drug tests and stricter checks on hostels and pan shops forming part of a broader crackdown on narcotics.

Malkajgiri Police Commissioner B. Sumathi said the police were strengthening ground-level intelligence and technological surveillance to prevent youth from falling prey to drug abuse and trafficking networks.

The official said drone cameras would now be deployed during late-night hours to monitor suspicious movements around hostels and student gathering points. Police personnel conducting night patrols have also been equipped with drug detection kits to carry out immediate tests on individuals displaying suspicious behaviour.

She said the initiative was aimed at protecting students and maintaining law and order in areas that house thousands of young people pursuing education and employment opportunities.

According to the police, more than 70% of the nearly 3,200 CCTV cameras installed across the area are operational and integrated with the Command and Control Centre, enabling continuous monitoring of sensitive locations.

She cautioned that strict action would be taken against hostels found facilitating anti-social or illegal activities.

Police have also intensified surveillance on pan shops, which officials described as potential distribution points for narcotic substances. The Commissioner warned that stringent cases, including those under the Preventive Detention Act, would be invoked against individuals involved in selling banned substances.

Alongside legal action, the police are also focusing on counselling and rehabilitation efforts to help victims reintegrate into mainstream society.