Excise and Prohibition authorities in Hyderabad have arrested a man for allegedly selling chocolates laced with ganja (cannabis) and mixing them into a popular milk‑based drink ahead of the Holi festival, officials said on 18 February 2026. Acting on credible information, the police raided the suspect’s residence in the Uppuguda area of Old City and seized 1,920 ganja‑infused chocolates weighing about 9.60 kg.
The accused, identified as B. Vikas Sharma, a native of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, was reportedly selling the ganja‑laden chocolates and offering them mixed with thandai a traditional milk and dry fruit drink for Rs 150 per glass, much higher than the regular price of Rs 50. Each chocolate was found to contain around five grams of ganja, police said.
Officials from the Excise Special Task Force A‑Team, led by Anji Reddy, stated that Sharma allegedly sourced the contraband chocolates in bulk from Agra, anticipating increased demand during the festive season. The raid and seizure followed a tip‑off about his activities in areas between Chudi Bazaar and Begum Bazaar.
Sharma was taken into custody and handed over to the Charminar Excise Police Station for further legal proceedings under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Investigators are examining the supply chain to determine how the ganja‑laced products were brought into the city and distributed.
Law enforcement officials emphasised that such products are illegal and pose serious health risks, especially when sold deceptively as regular sweets or festive drinks. The arrest comes amid broader enforcement efforts by the Telangana Excise Department to crackdown on drug peddling and the spread of contraband edible substances across Hyderabad.
Local residents and authorities have welcomed the action, noting that illicit drug‑infused foods can attract vulnerable consumers, including young people, and exacerbate public health concerns.
