Visakhapatnam: The govt has taken a significant step towards curbing drug abuse in the state by identifying 850 hotspots across the region. The Eagle teams, tasked with tackling drug-related issues, have conducted a thorough analysis to pinpoint locations where narcotics and alcohol are being sold and consumed.The identified hotspots are spread across various cities and towns in the state, including Vizag and Vijayawada. According to Eagle chief Ake Ravi Krishna, youngsters are often using isolated areas, dilapidated buildings, and small establishments to sell and consume drugs. The Eagle teams have decided to intensify surprise raids and identify new hotspots to nab frequent offenders and drug users.“The rise in cannabis consumption among teenagers is a growing concern in Andhra Pradesh. Despite efforts to curb drug peddling, many teenagers are resorting to smoking weed and hash oil. The Eagle teams are working to identify weed users and new hotspots to curtail the consumption of the weed among youth,” he added.The state govt has emphasized the need for stringent measures to tackle drug-related issues. Under the NDPS Act, cultivation, selling, buying, and consumption of cannabis are illegal and punishable. The govt is determined to curb drug abuse among youth and is taking all necessary steps to achieve this goa, said a senior officer.
