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.

‘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.

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.