Sun Nov 03 14:47:40 UTC 2024: ## Andhra Pradesh Police Crack Down on Sand Smuggling to Telangana
**Vijayawada, November 3, 2024:** The NTR Commissionerate police in Andhra Pradesh are taking a hard line against those illegally smuggling sand to Telangana, in violation of the state’s free sand policy.
Police Commissioner S.V. Rajashekar Babu announced the crackdown on Sunday, stating that drones would be deployed to monitor illegal sand mining, smuggling, stockpiling, and black market sales. He also revealed that the police received numerous complaints about middlemen exploiting the free sand policy for personal gain and illegally transporting sand to Telangana.
The crackdown comes after complaints from the public about sand being sold at exorbitant prices on the black market, with some middlemen allegedly charging up to ₹7,000 per tractor load and ₹18,000 per lorry load.
“The free sand policy in A.P. has turned out to be a boon to builders and contractors in Telangana,” said K. Seetaramaiah, a mason from NTR district, highlighting the extent of the smuggling operation.
In recent months, the police have been actively combating sand smuggling, arresting 195 individuals and registering over 100 cases against smugglers. Additionally, 150 vehicles, including earthmoving machines, trucks, tractors, and lorries, have been seized and fined.
The police have also established 17 checkpoints along the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana border to prevent smuggling, serving notices to owners of vehicles suspected of involvement.
Commissioner Babu stressed that intensified patrols, command center monitoring, and stringent legal action against smugglers will continue to ensure compliance with the free sand policy and protect the state’s resources.
First Piper 