Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has vowed to take stringent action against drug peddlers, consumers, and all those involved in the illegal drug trade, asserting that the government is committed to eliminating the menace of narcotics.
Speaking at the walkathon organised by the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) in Guntur on Thursday to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Mr. Naidu said drug addiction 鈥渋s not just a law and order problem but a societal threat鈥 that needed to be rooted out.
Addressing a large gathering of students, parents, and the general public, Mr. Naidu urged people to say 鈥榥o鈥 to drugs. 鈥淲e are committed to ensuring 100% law and order. Drones and CCTV surveillance are being used effectively to prevent crime,鈥 he said.
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On the occasion, he launched a dedicated WhatsApp number 鈥897781972鈥 and a toll-free helpline 鈥1972鈥 brought by EAGLE.
Criticising the previous YSRCP government, Mr. Naidu said during its tenure, the State had witnessed a surge in ganja cultivation, especially in the Visakhapatnam Agency, which was turned into a hub for drug production.
He accused former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of failing to act against drug culture. 鈥淢r. Jagan had visited a ganja batch in Tenali. Politicians should be role models,鈥 Mr. Naidu said.
Expressing concern over the psychological impact of drug use, he said addicts often exhibited criminal behaviour, including sexual assaults.
He announced the establishment of world-class de-addiction centres in all the three regions of the State, and assured that in a year, the drug menace would be significantly curtailed.
Drawing parallels between the State鈥檚 current development agenda and the IT boom in Hyderabad during his previous tenure, he said, 鈥淏ack then, we spoke about IT in Hyderabad. Now, we are envisioning a Quantum Valley in Amaravati. But our efforts will go in vain if our youth fall a prey to drug addiction,鈥 he cautioned.
He reiterated the government鈥檚 commitment to the Super Six promises, and criticized the previous regime for burdening the State with 鈧10 lakh crore debt.
Inspector General of Police and EAGLE head Ake Ravi Krishna said 15 accused involved in drug trafficking and abuse had been arrested and jailed in recent operations. 鈥 Strict action will continue against those involved in drug-related offences,鈥 he warned.
Prathipadu MLA Burla Ramanjaneyulu accused the YSRCP regime of turning the State into the 鈥済anja capital鈥, and praised Mr. Naidu for adopting zero tolerance towards drugs.
Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar and several Ministers from the State participated.