Vijayawada: Inspector general of police (IG) Ake Ravi Krishna, heading the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (Eagle), called upon mothers to play a crucial role in combating the ganja menace in Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking at a press conference at the AP police headquarters on Friday, the IG emphasised the power of maternal influence, stating, “No mother can see another mother sad by allowing their son to peddle or consume ganja. Every mother is a brand ambassador for Eagle.”
Ravi Krishna highlighted the psychological distress, that the families affected by drug abuse, experience. He cited the case of 17 students from Pattabhipuram police station limits in Guntur district, who were booked under the NDPS Act.
“Every mother must ensure that their children are not victims of drugs and that, drugs do not enter their homes. This is the responsibility of every parent,” he urged.
The IG invoked the legacy of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju and emphasised the sanctity of the land where he had fought for independence.
“It is unfortunate that ganja is being cultivated in such a sacred region. Every resident in the tribal areas must voice against this menace,” he said.
It is mentioned that Eagle is leveraging advanced technology to monitor those who are cultivating and transporting drugs. The department has set up a 24/7 toll-free number—1972, for citizens to report drug-related activities. Any information shared by the public will be kept strictly confidential.
AP govt is planning to organise regular awareness programs to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse and the penalties under the law. Schools will soon incorporate lessons on the impact of drugs into their curriculum to shape young minds.
Eagle system will operate with a team of 459 personnel, including outsourced staff, supported by a budget allocation of 8.59 crore. Officers working in narcotics enforcement will receive a 30 percent special allowance during duty.
Eagle’s structure will include key wings for research, legal oversight, training, awareness, logistics, technical support, and a state task force. A 12-member team will operate a central control room to manage the toll-free helpline.
Calling for a collective effort, Ravi Krishna stated, “Drugs destroy society from within. Every citizen must become part of Eagle.”
GFX:
PATH AHEAD
People found guilty under NDPS Act will face severe consequences
Denying bail through robust investigations
Offenders’ photographs to be on notice boards at police stations, village/ward secretariats
Assets of those involved in commercial quantities under NDPS Act to be seized
Their family-owned properties to be monitored
Eagle operates on the STDD model: Source, Transportation, Destination, and Demand.
Aim to dismantle drug supply chain comprehensively
Plans for establishing centralised Eagle headquarters in Amaravati
Each district to have individual special narcotics police station which would be led by a DSP
Plans to set up 26 district NCCs
Five special courts in Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Vijayawada, Guntur, and Tirupati under AP High Court’s jurisdiction for expedited trials
