'Operation Chaitanyam': Drone-led EAGLE crackdown destroys 94.77 acres of Ganja in Andhra’s ASR district

Amaravati: Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) has launched a massive anti-narcotics operation codenamed `Chaitanyam’ and destroyed ganja crop spread over 94.77 acres of land and stamped out 31,185 cannabis plants in the Alluri Sitarama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh.

EAGLE used satellite imagery, drone surveillance, and intelligence-based ground operations to identify and eliminate illegal cultivation.

Alongside enforcement, the programme also focused on rehabilitation and alternative livelihood support for tribal farmers, positioning it as a balanced model integrating strict action with social intervention.

The achievements were highlighted during the release of the EAGLE Annual Report – 2025 by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu at the AP Secretariat in Amaravati on Friday.

CM hails technology-driven Anti-Drug Strategy

Releasing the Annual Report, the Chief Minister congratulated the EAGLE team for institutionalising a technology-enabled, intelligence-driven anti-narcotics framework across the State.

He observed that Andhra Pradesh has witnessed a “360-degree perception change” at the national level and has emerged as a best-practice state aligned with Apex NCORD priorities.

The Chief Minister appreciated the comprehensive, data-driven documentation of enforcement, prevention, financial investigation, and rehabilitation initiatives in the report.

Senior police officials, including the Director General of Police, IGP Ake Ravi Krishna, IPS, and SP K. Nagesh Babu, were present at the event.

Operation safe campus zone: Shielding students from drug menace

Another flagship initiative, Operation Safe Campus Zone, continues to focus on eliminating drug-related violations within 100 yards of educational institutions.

Between July 8, 2025, and January 26, 2026:

45,200 shops were verified

47,441 cases were registered

Rs 72.92 lakh in fines were imposed

The Home Minister commended the initiative for safeguarding students and strengthening preventive mechanisms across campuses.

Enforcement Highlights for 2025

As per the Annual Report (January 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026):

1,836 NDPS cases registered

46,011 kg ganja seized

4,760 accused arrested

770 vehicles seized

Additionally:

96 preventive detentions were invoked under the PIT NDPS Act

Rs 9.11 crore worth of assets were frozen or seized

1,12,406 kg of ganja was scientifically incinerated

Over 40,000 EAGLE Clubs were established in educational institutions

More than 35,000 awareness campaigns reached over 20 lakh students

DGP Emphasises Institutional Strengthening

Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta lauded EAGLE’s intelligence-led enforcement, interstate coordination, financial investigation framework, and preventive detention mechanisms. He noted that the organisation has evolved into a structured and prevention-integrated anti-drug institution.

Government reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy

Reiterating its commitment, the Government of Andhra Pradesh pledged continued focus on zero tolerance towards drug trafficking, protection of youth, financial disruption of drug networks, and strengthening of rehabilitation systems.

Officials said the release of the EAGLE Annual Report 2025 reflects measurable progress and the State’s sustained commitment to combat the drug menace through enforcement, prevention, and community engagement.