Four test positive in drug screening at Hyderabad’s pubs and resorts on New Year’s eve; one during vehicle check

As many as five persons tested positive for drug consumption during a joint anti drug operation carried out by the Telangana EAGLE Force on the eve of New Year celebrations across the tri commissionerates.

The operation was conducted in coordination with the Prohibition and Excise personnel and local Law and Order Police to ensure drug free celebrations.

Officials said drug screening was carried out using urine testing kits from Abbott and saliva testing kits from Dräger of Germany, Drug Check from the United States and Sotoxa systems. During the checks at pubs and resorts, 51 suspected persons were screened, of whom four DJs tested positive for drug consumption. During vehicle checking, 38 persons were screened and one individual tested positive.

The DJs who tested positive were identified as 35-year-old K. Sridhar, a DJ at Buffalo Wild Wings and a resident of Old Alwal, 28-year-old Gudati David, a DJ at Sherlocks Pub and a resident of Panjagutta; 25-year-old Tanvir Singh, a DJ at Illusion Pub and a resident of Hyderabad, and 25-year-old D. Manibhushanam, a drummer with the Akashvani Band performing at VAVE Pub and a resident of Malkajgiri. The individual detected during vehicle checking was 38-year-old K. Ravi Krishna, employed in a private job and a resident of Sanath Nagar. Officials said all five tested positive for THC, indicating marijuana consumption.

Altogether 15 teams from the EAGLE Force and eight teams from the Prohibition and Excise department carried out surprise checks at pubs and resorts. Drug screening was also conducted past midnight on party goers returning from celebrations during vehicle checks, which police said was aimed at ensuring public safety.

Police said the drive was part of preventive measures taken ahead of New Year celebrations, with the EAGLE Force advising party goers not to fall prey to drugs in the name of party culture, music events or momentary excitement.

In addition, undertakings were served and detailed guidelines were issued to more than 500 managements of pubs, resorts and restaurants, along with DJs, radio jockeys and event organisers, directing them to prevent the consumption and supply of drugs during New Year celebrations in 2026.

Officials said the identified consumers, along with their parents, would be called for counselling and necessary steps would be taken to admit them to deaddiction and rehabilitation centres as part of the Bureau’s reformative approach.