`No Drugs Bro': Andhra declares war on narcotics; to confiscate properties of peddlers

Amaravati: Declaring a war on drugs, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to confiscate the properties of people involved in the cultivation, transportation, or sale of narcotics.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is leading the charge, has declared a zero-tolerance policy on drugs, pledging to transform Andhra Pradesh into a drug-free state.

“This fight is non-negotiable. We will not spare anyone who enables or profits from the drug trade,” Naidu asserted, unveiling the state’s multi-pronged plan to tackle the issue from all fronts. Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the government launched its campaign under the slogan `No Drugs Bro', calling for collective public action.

Walkathon in Guntur sends a strong message

In a symbolic gesture of unity, CM Naidu joined students and citizens in a walkathon held in Guntur. Carrying banners and raising slogans, participants pledged their support to eliminate drugs from society.

Addressing the crowd post-walk, Naidu said, “We will not tolerate drugs in any form. Offenders will face the harshest penalties, including property confiscation.”

Public helplines for confidential reporting

To ensure community participation, the state introduced a WhatsApp helpline (8977781972) and a toll-free number (1972), allowing the public to report drug-related activities confidentially and securely.

Infrastructure and Legal measures strengthened

As part of its strategy, the government is establishing 56 new de-addiction centres, three of which will meet international standards. Fast-track NDPS courts will also be established in Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Guntur, and Tirupati to expedite prosecution in drug cases.

‘Eagle Clubs’ in schools and tech-driven surveillance

To spread awareness among the youth, ‘Eagle Clubs’ will be launched in schools, promoting drug-free living. The state also plans to engage celebrities and influencers to amplify the message. On the enforcement side, drones and CCTV networks will be deployed to track and control illegal drug activities.

CM blames previous regime for laxity

Naidu didn’t mince words in holding the previous YSRCP government accountable. “Visakhapatnam became a ganja hub under their rule. No serious effort was made to curb the problem,” he said, stressing the need for immediate and sustained action.

Vision for a Drug-Free Telugu Nation by 2047

Expressing concern over the impact of drugs on the youth, CM Naidu emphasised the social cost. “Drugs are destroying lives and pushing people into crime. Our goal is to uproot this threat completely. By 2047, we want to see the Telugu nation as a leader, and that starts with a drug-free society,” he said.

Calling it more than just a government initiative, he urged every citizen to contribute. “This is a movement. Only together can we reclaim our future,” he concluded.