Hyderabad police arrest 65, seize drugs in ‘Operation Thunderbolt’

Police officials during ‘Operation Thunderbolt’ at Mangwada Basti in Habeeb Nagar Thursday.

More than 1,100 policemen spread across Mangwada Basti in Habeeb Nagar early Thursday as the Hyderabad City Police launched a massive cordon and search operation, codenamed ‘Operation Thunderbolt’, targeting drug peddlers, habitual offenders and other anti-social elements.

The operation, which began around 3.30 am, was conducted under the leadership of Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar.

The unit included personnel from Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW), Hyderabad Food and Administrative Safety Teams (H-FAST), Task Force, Central Crime Station, CAR Armed Reserve and local police.

During the raids, officers arrested 15 suspected drug offenders and 50 suspected property offenders, in addition to arresting chain robbers, habitual offenders and people with outstanding warrants.

The police also seized 150 bags of marijuana, 1 kg of dried marijuana, 32 bottles of cough syrup suspected of being misused as a narcotic substance, and bottles of alcohol.

Officials said the operation aims to break drug networks and curb anti-social activities in the area through coordinated enforcement.

Published – 09 Jul 2026 19:40 IST