Fri Jun 27 03:22:56 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

On the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, rallies, awareness programs, and seminars were held across Visakhapatnam, Alluri Sitharama Raju, and Anakapalli districts. Officials and citizens, including students, police, and representatives from various organizations, participated in walkathons and pledge drives to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. Speakers emphasized the importance of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, cautioning youth against experimentation and urging addicts to seek help. They also called for stricter enforcement measures to curb the availability of drugs.

**News Article:**

**Drug Abuse Awareness Campaign Sweeps Visakhapatnam on International Day**

*Visakhapatnam, June 27, 2025* – A wave of rallies, awareness programs, and seminars swept across Visakhapatnam, Alluri Sitharama Raju, and Anakapalli districts yesterday, marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Thousands of citizens, including students, police personnel, and representatives from various government and non-government organizations, participated in events aimed at raising awareness about the perils of drug abuse and promoting prevention and rehabilitation efforts.

In Visakhapatnam, a large walkathon took place on Beach Road, featuring participants from the police, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), State Bank of India (SBI), the “Eagle Team,” and local colleges. Students wore themed T-shirts and chanted slogans against ganja and other narcotics.

“Experimenting with drugs, even under peer pressure, can ruin lives,” warned Police Commissioner Shankabratha Bagchi, expressing concern about the growing number of young people becoming addicted.

Visakhapatnam Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad highlighted the availability of toll-free helpline numbers and urged those struggling with addiction to seek assistance at rehabilitation centers established at KGH and the Government Hospital for Mental Care. He emphasized that addicts should be treated as patients needing medical help, not as criminals.

MP M. Sribharat called for stricter enforcement measures to curb drug accessibility, suggesting the adoption of district-level initiatives similar to the state’s “Eagle Team.”

In the Alluri Sitharama Raju district, a rally led by District Collector A.S. Dinesh Kumar and Superintendent of Police Amit Bardar saw participation from tribal students and government staff, further underscoring the widespread commitment to combating drug abuse in the region.

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