Control drug menace, ganja cultivation in AP: Jagan to SEB officials
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday directed the officials of the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) to keep an eye on the drug menace in the state and conduct awareness programmes in universities and colleges on the dangers of drugs.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 23 Sep 2021 2:01 PM GMT
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday directed the officials of the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) to keep an eye on the drug menace in the state and conduct awareness programmes in universities and colleges on the dangers of drugs.
Jagan reviewed the performance of the SEB and asked the officials to maintain constant vigil in universities and colleges in cities and towns. He asked them to prepare an action plan to be implemented across the state and directed the officials to curb ganja cultivation and smuggling in Vizag and East Godavari districts by carrying out regular raids.
Regarding liquor consumption, the Chief Minister said the government had increased the alcohol prices to reduce consumption. He added that one-third of liquor outlets have been closed in the state and belt shops (illegal liquor outlets) and permit rooms across the state have been removed. Jagan said liquor sales have dropped from 34 lakh cases per month to 21 lakh cases and beer sales from 17 lakh cases per month to seven lakh cases.
The Chief Minister directed the SEB to focus on illicit brewing and smuggling of hooch in the state and to conduct regular checks. He also told the officials to take stringent action against those who sell sand at higher prices. He instructed the officials to create awareness among people on the availability of sand.
The officials, meanwhile, informed the Chief Minister that 1,20,822 cases of alcohol smuggling and manufacturing have been registered and 1,25,202 persons arrested. In 2020, almost 63,310 cases were registered while in 2021, it was nearly 57,512.
While the SEB had registered 74,311 cases, the police had registered 46,511. Also, 30,910 litres of illicit liquor, 8,07,644 litres of country-made liquor, and 2,30,48,401 litres of jaggery wash were seized and destroyed. They also seized 29,491 vehicles.
Regarding sand smuggling, the SEB said 2,211 cases have been registered, 5,72,372 tonnes of sand and 16,365 vehicles seized, and 22,769 people arrested.
The officials also said that 18,686 kg of ganja was seized, 220 cases registered, and 384 people arrested. Between 20-31 March 2021, under Operation New Savera, 69 cases were registered, 174 people arrested, and 2,176 kg of marijuna seized. The officials said that 330 awareness camps have been organized in the state.
