2 hrs ago
Andhra Pradesh Plans Southern States Conclave to Intensify Drug Fight
Andhra Pradesh wants to bring southern States together to work against drugs.
A meeting is planned in Visakhapatnam, but no date was announced.
Officials say they will combine police work with lessons and awareness programmes.
These programmes will reach schools, colleges and some tribal communities.
Police are also watching routes where ganja may be smuggled from Odisha.
They have found chocolates containing ganja and are checking other ways drugs may be sold or used.
The government says it is taking action against suspected sellers, gangs and repeat offenders.
It is also using trained dogs and quick tests to help detect drugs.
Andhra Pradesh plans to host a southern States conclave in Visakhapatnam to coordinate efforts against drug abuse and trafficking.
Minister Nara Lokesh directed the Eagle wing to intensify enforcement and prevention efforts, aligned with the Centre’s Nasha Mukt Bharat objective.
The government plans school, college and community awareness programmes, including initiatives for tribal communities in agency areas.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha ordered stronger surveillance on the Odisha border to curb ganja smuggling, including exploring greater drone use.
Police reported seizing ganja-laced chocolates, closing 20 medical shops over alleged prescription violations, and taking action against repeat offenders and drug-linked gangs.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh government, including ministers Nara Lokesh and Vangalapudi Anitha, and the Eagle wing.
- What
- Plans for a southern States conclave and expanded enforcement, prevention and awareness efforts against drug abuse and trafficking.
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh; enforcement measures also target the Odisha border and other locations in the State.
- When
- The conclave is planned for the near future; no date was specified.
- Why
- To coordinate action against drug abuse and trafficking and support the Centre’s Nasha Mukt Bharat objective.
Prevention and awareness
Enforcement and policing
Approach to reducing drug harm
Prevention and awareness
The government plans education and awareness efforts in schools, colleges and vulnerable communities, including tribal communities.
Enforcement and policing
Officials are strengthening surveillance and pursuing suspected smugglers, sellers, drug-linked gangs and repeat offenders.
Key facts
- Planned conclave
- Southern States meeting in Visakhapatnam; date not specified.
- Prevention initiatives
- Eagle Clubs have been established in all government high schools.
- Border enforcement
- Officials were directed to strengthen surveillance at check-posts along the Odisha border and explore wider drone use.
- Medical shops
- Twenty shops allegedly selling medicines without prescriptions were seized.
- Sniffer dogs
- Thirty-six trained dogs are being deployed to detect ganja and other drugs.
- Repeat offenders
- The Eagle wing identified 192 active repeat offenders linked to drug-related activity and initiated stringent action.
- Ganja-laced chocolates
- Recent seizures were reported in Visakhapatnam and Narasaraopet; investigations indicated an origin in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Sources
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