Mon Jul 14 10:24:49 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite of the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Andhra Pradesh government is cracking down on ganja (cannabis) cultivation, smuggling, and consumption, spearheaded by the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE). They’ve significantly reduced cultivation areas, seized large quantities of cannabis, arrested numerous individuals, and seized assets linked to drug trafficking. The government is also promoting alternative crops for farmers previously involved in ganja cultivation and plans to transform the Visakhapatnam Agency area into an Araku Coffee hub. Furthermore, the state is planning to restrict access to welfare schemes for individuals accused of ganja-related crimes.

**News Article:**

**Andhra Pradesh Intensifies War on Drugs, Eyes Welfare Cuts for Offenders**

*VIJAYAWADA, July 14, 2025* – The Andhra Pradesh government is ramping up its efforts to combat the ganja (cannabis) trade, announcing a multi-pronged strategy that includes cutting welfare access for those accused of related crimes and transforming a key cultivation area into a coffee-producing hub.

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha announced the initiatives at a press conference on Monday, highlighting the success of the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) in curbing ganja cultivation. “Our government is fully committed to checking ganja and other drugs in the State and will act sternly against those involved in cultivation, peddling, and consumption,” she stated.

According to Minister Anitha, EAGLE has reduced ganja cultivation areas from 10,000 acres to near zero, focusing on providing alternative livelihood options for farmers. Approximately 40,000 saplings have been distributed to 25,000 farmers, with training provided by various departments on cultivating internal and short-term crops. The government aims to convert the Visakhapatnam Agency area into an Araku Coffee hub.

“In the last six months, EAGLE has booked 831 cases against ganja smugglers and consumers, arrested 2,114 accused, and destroyed 68,620 kgs of cannabis,” Ms. Anitha revealed, urging the public to report any ganja-related activity via the helpline ‘Dial 1972’.

Ake Ravi Krishna, Inspector General of Police (IGP) and head of EAGLE, added that assets worth ₹7.75 crore belonging to ganja smugglers and their families have been attached, marking a first-of-its-kind action in the State. Proposals have been submitted to invoke the PIT NDPS Act against 24 notorious ganja peddlers and consumers.

EAGLE Task Force Committees have been established in Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, and Vijayawada. Comprehensive village counselling has been conducted in 16,000 habitations, with police identifying 859 ganja hotspots in 375 villages and intensifying surveillance on ganja peddlers operating from neighboring states.

The Home Minister also announced plans to restrict access to welfare schemes for individuals accused in ganja-related cases, signaling a stricter approach to deter drug-related activities in the state.

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