‘Eagle’ will focus on kingpins involved in smuggling of ganja and drugs in Andhra Pradesh, says its head Ravi Krishna

The elite force will conduct awareness programmes for students and youth on the ill-effects of consuming ganja and the consequences of being booked under the NDPS Act, he says

The Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (Eagle) will focus on educational institutions and youth to check smuggling of ganja (marijuana) and drugs in Andhra Pradesh, says its head and Inspector General of Police A. Ravi Krishna.

“Eagle will focus on identifying the kingpins, peddlers and consumers, find the origin and destination of the rackets, and legal aspects, besides enlightening the students and youngsters about the NDPS Act,” Mr. Ravi Krishna said while addressing the media at the A.P. Police Headquarters at Mangalagiri on November 29, 2024 (Friday).

“Ganja is being cultivated in some pockets of the nine mandals in Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district. Eagle teams will visit the areas where ganja is being grown and conduct awareness programmes. The teams will counsel the residents of the tribal habitations against cultivating ganja,” he said.

“The ill-effects of consuming drugs and the consequences of being booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, will be included in the curriculum for students. Persons booked under the Act may be awarded imprisonment of up to 20 years,” Mr. Ravi Krishna said.

Stating that the NDPS Act prohibited cultivation, possession, sale, transportation, storage and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, or ganja, he warned that the consequences of being booked under the Act would be very severe.

“Some students and youth are addicted to drugs. I appeal to the youth not to spoil their health and lives, and keep away from vices,” Mr. Ravi Krishna said.

Eagle would develop a network, comprising personnel drawn from the Customs, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Railway Police and other wings, and train them in various aspects, he said.

“Irrespective of the cadre, or political influence, Eagle will act tough against those booked in drugs and ganja smuggling cases,” he warned.

He appealed to the people to cooperate with the new force and help in achieving its objective.

Asked about the insiders’ role in ganja cultivation and smuggling, he said Eagle would keep a vigil on suspects in all the government departments and book them too.

Eagle Superintendent of Police K. Nagesh Babu was present.

Published - November 29, 2024 08:58 pm IST