Hyderabad Police Probe Online Weed Gummy Sales After Rachakonda Arrests

Drug enforcement agencies in Hyderabad have launched an investigation into the online sale of cannabis-infused gummies and wellness products following the arrest of two individuals by the Rachakonda Narcotics police. The Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) are now scrutinizing the validity of online prescriptions and licenses used by these e-commerce platforms.

The investigation began after the Rachakonda police arrested 28-year-old artist Samala Prithviraj and 22-year-old student Mohammed Yaheyaullah. According to investigators, Prithviraj confessed to purchasing "weed gummies" from a Delhi-based website instead of procuring ganja physically.

Police stated that Prithviraj came across an advertisement for the weed gummies while watching Instagram reels. To avoid linking the deliveries to his residence, he allegedly used the address of a nearby shop in Hyderabad. He made payments using various Unified Payments Interface (UPI) modes, leaving a digital transaction trail.

Investigators revealed that Prithviraj received his second order of gummies on May 13. The parcel contained 15 gummies worth approximately Rs 2,500. He reportedly consumed 12 of the gummies before being apprehended by the police, who subsequently conducted an ABON urine drug detection test. Prithviraj disclosed he had been consuming ganja for seven years, claiming the habit began while working with a film production team.

EAGLE director Sandeep Shandilya stated that the agency has written to the NCB seeking action against such websites. He raised concerns over prescriptions being issued remotely to customers, questioning how a doctor sitting in Delhi could prescribe products to a person in Hyderabad. Shandilya added that the products must undergo scientific examination to determine if they contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive compound in cannabis.

The Delhi-based platform advertised gummies with cannabis extract concentrations ranging from 5% to 13%, claiming to possess an Ayush manufacturing license, a free sale certificate, and a state excise license. However, legal experts note that while some cannabis leaf products might fall outside the definition of "ganja" under the federal Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Telangana Excise Act of 1968 adopts a broader definition that expressly includes cannabis leaves and bhang as intoxicating drugs.