Ganja-laced thandai, chocolates seized in Hyderabad ahead of holi; man arrested

HYDERABAD: In a major pre-Holi crackdown, Excise police in Hyderabad arrested a man for allegedly selling ganja-infused thandai and chocolates in the Charminar area.

The accused, identified as B. Vikas from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly mixing 5 grams of ganja into each chocolate and selling the spiked thandai at Rs 150 per glass, though the drink’s original price was Rs 50, officials said.


Acting on specific inputs, enforcement teams raided Vikas’s residence and seized 1,920 ganja-laced chocolates. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed that he had sourced the chocolates from Agra, anticipating brisk sales during the Holi celebrations.

“The accused, B. Vikas, a native of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, was selling thandai milk laced with ganja for Rs 150 per glass, despite its original price being Rs50. Enforcement teams raided his house and found ganja-infused chocolates, with 5 grams of ganja mixed into each chocolate. During the investigation, Vikas revealed that he brought the chocolates from Agra for the Holi festival, anticipating high demand,” said excise police.

The seized stock of 1,920 ganja chocolates was handed over to the Charminar Excise police for further investigation.

In a separate operation earlier this week, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Hyderabad Zonal Unit, seized seven tiger nails and three tiger canine teeth from individuals allegedly involved in the illegal trade of wildlife articles.

Officials said they had received specific information about the illegal sale of wildlife products — including tiger claws and canine teeth — in the grey market. Acting swiftly, DRI officers intercepted two suspected traffickers.

During questioning, one of the accused produced a transparent zip-lock pouch from his backpack. On examination, it was found to contain seven nails and three canine teeth, suspected to be parts of a tiger (Panthera tigris).