A special task force of the Prohibition and Excise Department in Hyderabad on February 2 detected an illegal case of cultivation of hybrid marijuana in a residential flat in Chintal Basthi.
Acting on credible information, the STF conducted a search at KB Apartments in Shyam Rao Nagar, under Nampally excise station limits and found one live hybrid marijuana plant grown under artificial conditions along with 12 grams of dried marijuana.
Officials said equipment used for indoor cultivation was seized from the apartment. This included LED grow lights, a table fan, a pH meter, pH control fluids, fertilizers, temperature and humidity monitors, plant tonics, bone meal and accessories used to regulate temperature and plant growth.
Two persons were found involved in growing the plant for illegal consumption. The accused have been identified as Dhruv Thakur, 26, a resident of New Delhi, and Arpit Stephen Prakash, 25, of Uttar Pradesh, both working professionals. During questioning, they admitted to obtaining hybrid marijuana seeds online and growing the plant inside the house.
The accused along with the seized contraband and cultivation material were handed over to Excise Station Nampally for further investigation. A case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985 and further legal action is underway.
The Department of Prohibition and Excise reiterated its commitment to curb drug abuse and illegal narcotic activities in Hyderabad and across Telangana.
Published – 02 Feb 2026 21:39 IST