Mahabubnagar, a region in Telangana, is seeing a sharp increase in ganja (cannabis) use and trade, raising serious concerns among local authorities. The problem is most visible among migrant workers who have come from northern states such as Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.
These workers are employed in sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and construction. Many of them reportedly turn to ganja after long, tiring shifts to unwind. What started as a way to relax has now grown into a serious addiction issue, especially among the younger workers.
A recent crime has brought the problem into sharp focus. At the Polepally Pharma SEZ, a fight between two migrant labourers ended in murder. Both individuals were allegedly under the influence of ganja. This incident is not isolated. Similar violent clashes have happened in different areas of the district, all tied to drug use.
Police are also linking a rise in thefts and burglaries to ganja-addicted workers. Officers say that many of the crimes they’ve investigated involve individuals from this group, pointing to a deeper connection between drug abuse and criminal activity.
Experts say the lack of oversight is making things worse. The labour department and local police have failed to maintain proper records of these migrant workers. Without accurate registration and monitoring, it’s hard to track or manage the situation.
The growing drug problem in Mahabubnagar is now a public safety issue. Authorities are under pressure to act fast, improve worker monitoring systems, and crack down on the rising illegal narcotics trade to protect both the migrant community and local residents.
