AP to be a drug-free state: HM

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha stated that achieving a drug-free Andhra Pradesh is the government’s goal, under which a ‘Narcotics Control Cell’ will be established in every district. She mentioned that surveillance systems would be strengthened through the ‘State Task Force’ division. Ministers Nara Lokesh, Kollu Ravindra, Sandhya Rani, Satyakumar Yadav, and others attended the ministerial sub-committee meeting on the prevention and enforcement of cannabis, held on Thursday at the Secretariat in Velagapudi.
Home Minister Anitha said that surveillance would be enhanced through the ‘State Task Force’ department, and with the use of the latest technology, the cultivation of ganja and the use of narcotic drugs would be curbed. She made it clear that drug control activities would be implemented using drones, satellites, GPS tracking, blockchain technology, and AI-based CCTVs. The police system would be strengthened through special training programmes. She added that strategic check posts, hotspots, and special NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) beats would be set up to prevent the smuggling of ganja.
The Home Minister explained that rewards would be provided for those who reveal the location of ganja shipments through a toll-free number. She said the ministerial sub-committee had discussed all aspects of formulating policies aimed at eradicating the ganja menace, which has infiltrated streets and educational institutions.
She revealed that the number of suicides due to drugs and alcohol had doubled under the previous government. According to NCRB-2020 data, Andhra Pradesh ranks fifth in the country for the number of people who commit suicide due to drugs and alcohol. Home Minister Anitha stated that the police system would work to dismantle drug networks through cyber intelligence. Apart from educating the youth through social media platforms, special conferences would be held to sensitise society so that lives are not ruined by drugs.
She also said that state borders and inter-state areas with high ganja traffic would be identified, and a robust surveillance system would be established in those locations. Tribal people would be alerted through monitoring by drones and satellites to strengthen cannabis prevention measures. Anitha added that public participation is crucial in preventing youth from becoming addicted to ganja, and steps are being taken to apprehend those supplying ganja to tribal youth.