AP renames anti-narcotics task force as ‘EAGLE’ to combat cultivation, sale of ganja

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has renamed the Anti-Narcotics Task Force to Eagle (Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement), an organisation to combat the growing menace of ganja and drug abuse.

A toll-free number (1972) will be soon launched by chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.

The primary objective of the EAGLE is to combat the growing menace of Narcotic Drug Trafficking and abuse within the State. It shall serve as a crucial unit in safeguarding public health, social stability and security across the Andhra Pradesh.

‘Narcotic police station in every district’

During the third meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Narcotics Control, chaired by home minister Vangalapudi Anitha, officials discussed strategies to curb drug-related activities and ensure stricter enforcement. The government has also planned to set up a narcotic control cell and narcotic police station in every district.

The personnel who are found suitable for deputation in EAGLE shall under go induction training as prescribed and approved by the EAGLE. The tenure of all Police Executive personnel at the EAGLE Head Office, Narcotics Police Stations and at District Narcotics Control Cells would be ordinarily for three years and under no circumstances shall be more than five years.

Director General of Police, Andhra Pradesh, Mangalagiri has been requested to pursue the matter for establishment of 5 Special Courts / Fast Track Courts in Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Vijayawada, Guntur and Tirupati with the High Court of Andhra Pradesh.

Drones to identify illegal ganja cultivation in AP

Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh emphasised deploying drones and advanced technology to identify and eliminate illegal cannabis cultivation across the State.

Families doing ganja trade will have welfare revoked

Lokesh has suggested withdrawing welfare benefits from families involved in drug trafficking. He also asked the team to adopt the policies implemented by Punjab, which is also focused on eradicating the drug menace in their State.

Speaking at the Secretariat, minister Anita said that a narcotic control cell and narcotics police station will be set up in every district to clamp down on the cultivation and supply of ganja. She made it clear that people will be sensitised and the use of drugs will be completely stopped.

Eagle Committees in schools and colleges

“Efforts are being made to conduct massive awareness conferences under the name of ‘Maha Sankalpam’. A plan is being drawn to organise awareness conferences using the state, district, mandal and village level committees with slogans and pledges,” said Anitha.

The sub-committee proposed forming 10-member ‘Eagle Committees’ in schools, colleges, universities and village secretariats to raise awareness about drug abuse. These committees will include women’s groups, Asha workers and community policing representatives.

The home minister said that the cultivation and supply of ganja will be closely monitored and the joint task force will crack down on the transportation routes of ganja. The home minister said that in the next six months, the department will focus on all means to eradicate cannabis.

Functions of Narcotic Police Station:

1. Narcotics Police Station shall register and investigate narcotics cases based on direct information where it shall have powers of a Police Station

2. Generating intelligence related to narcotics through use of technical resources and field operations.

3. Monitoring prosecution in close co-ordination with prosecutors.

4. Supervising investigations of narcotics related cases registered at other Police Stations and issuing advisory to the Investigating officers, through the Commissioners or Superintendents of Police.

5. Prepare and submit special and periodical reports to the Head, EAGLE and carryout his instructions.

6. Train police personnel involved in investigation and prosecution of narcotics related cases in the Commissionerates / Districts.

7. Take steps to reduce demand of narcotics through awareness and educative programs in coordination and consultation with the Head, EAGLE and enlist the support and participation of all the stakeholders.

8. Participate in programmes for rehabilitation of victims of drug abuse in association with other government and non-governmental agencies 8ncluding the District Medical and Health Officer under the guidance of District Collector.

9. Create Anti-Drug committees (ADCS) in educational institutions in its jurisdiction.