Telangana parents turn to EAGLE Force over suspected drug use among children

Telangana parents are approaching the EAGLE Force helpline 1908 to report suspected drug use among children. Officials said nine minors were identified within two days, while authorities highlighted the role of early intervention, counselling and government hospital-based rehabilitation facilities.

Hyderabad: Parents in Telangana are increasingly approaching the EAGLE Force for help in addressing drug abuse among their children. Several families have recently reported suspected substance use among their children’s peer groups through the anti-narcotics unit’s toll-free helpline – 1908.

EAGLE Force Director Sandeep Shandilya said that officials identified nine minors within two days based on information received through the helpline. The children were counselled, and eight were shifted to de-addiction centres for further assistance.

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In one case reported from Cyberabad Commissionerate limits, a mother alerted officials that her son and his friends were allegedly consuming drugs. Acting on the complaint, EAGLE Force personnel took eight people, including a suspected drug supplier, into custody.

The group included six minors and two adults. Drug tests returned positive results, and those who tested positive were shifted to de-addiction centres. Police registered cases at Jeedimetla and Sanathnagar police stations and arrested the suspected drug peddlers.

In a separate incident in Wanaparthy district, parents sought help for their son, who was allegedly addicted to ganja and other drugs. After a drug test confirmed substance use, the boy was sent to a de-addiction centre.

Officials reiterated the importance of early intervention, parental vigilance and community participation in preventing substance abuse among children. The EAGLE Force has encouraged families to report drug-related concerns through 1908 so that addicted youngsters can receive counselling and rehabilitation support.

The State government has established a state-wide system for treating people impacted by drug abuse, including government hospital-based treatment and counselling facilities. There is also a referral and support role for Telangana EAGLE Force, the state’s anti-narcotics unit.

There are 35 designated government teaching hospitals in Telangana as Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs). These facilities are intended to provide medical treatment, counselling and support for people with substance-use disorders.