Mon Dec 23 13:28:36 UTC 2024: ## Andhra Pradesh Intensifies Anti-Ganja Campaign, Launches Elite Task Force

**Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh –** Andhra Pradesh is stepping up its fight against ganja (marijuana) cultivation and trafficking, reporting significant successes in 2024 and preparing for a major offensive in 2025. The state government’s 100-day action plan, launched after the formation of the new government, has already yielded substantial results, particularly in the Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district, a known hotspot for ganja smuggling.

The ASR district police, under SP Amit Bardar, implemented a comprehensive strategy since June 12, 2024, involving drone surveillance, ground surveys, and the destruction of 43.45 acres of ganja plantations. This led to 172 cases registered under the NDPS Act, 507 arrests, and the seizure of over 15,000 kg of ganja and 3 kg of hash oil. Efforts to provide alternative livelihoods for farmers involved in ganja cultivation include distributing seeds and saplings of high-yield crops to over 10,000 farmers, alongside community development programs and awareness campaigns.

Looking ahead, the state is launching the Elite Anti-narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE), a dedicated anti-drug task force with a sub-office in Visakhapatnam district. This, coupled with increased surveillance using drones and CCTV cameras, aims to disrupt the trafficking networks. Police are also focusing on arresting kingpins and using dynamic checking points to intercept ganja shipments. A recent example saw the arrest of a four-member gang smuggling ganja through courier services.

A senior police officer from Visakhapatnam noted a decline in ganja availability within the ASR district, attributing it to the intensified efforts. However, they highlighted the continuing challenges of smugglers using the region as a transit point and the need to ensure sustainable alternative livelihoods for former ganja cultivators. The establishment of EAGLE is expected to significantly bolster the ongoing efforts in 2025.

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