The Special Task Force of the Prohibition and Excise Department, Hyderabad, detected an illegal case of hybrid marijuana cultivation inside a residential apartment at Chintal Basthi on February 2.
Acting on credible information, the STF conducted a search at K.B. Apartments in Shyam Rao Nagar, under the limits of Excise Station Nampally, 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, pH meter, pH control liquids, fertilisers, temperature and humidity monitoring devices, plant tonics, bone meal and accessories used to regulate temperature and plant growth.
Two persons were found involved in cultivating the plant for illegal consumption. The accused were identified as Dhruv Thakur, 26, a resident of New Delhi, and Arpit Stephen Prakash, 25, from Uttar Pradesh, both working professionals. During questioning, they admitted to procuring hybrid marijuana seeds online and cultivating 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 relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, and further legal action is underway.
The Prohibition and Excise Department reiterated its commitment to curbing drug abuse and illegal narcotics activities in Hyderabad and across Telangana.
Published – February 02, 2026 09:39 pm IST
