After anti-Maoist push, Special Intelligence Branch may be deployed to crack down on narcotics networks in Telangana

Done: arunHyderabad: With anti-Maoist operations nearing completion, the special intelligence branch (SIB) is likely to shift its focus to tackling drug networks, working alongside the EAGLE (Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement) unit as part of a broader anti-narcotics strategy. Sources said the ministry of home affairs wants enforcement agencies to pivot from countering Maoists to cracking down on narcotics beginning April. As part of the strategy, several central agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau and Directorate General of GST Intelligence, have been asked to verify purchases of chemicals that could be used in the manufacture of drugs. Authorities are expected to rely on SIB's extensive intelligence network and infrastructure to support the operations. SIB has historically played a key role in anti-Naxalite operations across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, as well as in other states. A meeting of senior officials from SIB, EAGLE and the state police is expected soon to discuss the proposed shift in focus. Sources in the Union home ministry told TOI, "As the March deadline ends, Maoist infestation is ending. We now need to focus on drugs and narcotics." A top GST department official said, "We were asked to verify the companies buying these chemicals. Based on GST invoices, they can be tracked. We will use AI and other data analytics technology to track these firms buying and selling chemicals and substances linked to narcotics, such as fentanyl precursors." In a recent case, a furniture company was found to be buying drug precursors from a Hyderabad firm, and the transaction was flagged by EAGLE to other agencies. The recent Indo-Canada agreement also mentioned fentanyl control, and it is learnt that US authorities have asked India to keep a close watch on fentanyl precursors. The intelligence set-up dates back to 1983 when the state created a special task force to deal exclusively with Left Wing Extremism. The operational wing later became the Greyhounds in 1989, while the intelligence wing was formalised as SIB in 1990. Counter-insurgencySIB currently has a sanctioned strength of 299 personnel and has played a significant role in counter-insurgency operations. Since its inception, it has been involved in the arrest of 14,078 Maoists, facilitated 5,865 surrenders and recorded 1,289 killed in exchanges of fire, accounting for a total of 21,232 Left Wing Extremists. A source in the intelligence department said, "We wish SIB to continue another two to three years till the Maoist issues are completely cleaned up. Currently, we are also keeping a tab on surrendered top Maoists, and the district police were also asked to keep vigil on lower rung Maoist cadres. SIB's new role will be defined soon."