Will root out narcotics with an iron hand, asserts Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
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 'is not just a law and order problem but a societal threat' that needed to be rooted out.
Addressing a large gathering of students, parents, and the general public, Mr. Naidu urged people to say 'no' to drugs. 'We are committed to ensuring 100% law and order. Drones and CCTV surveillance are being used effectively to prevent crime,' he said.
WhatsApp number
On the occasion, he launched a dedicated WhatsApp number '897781972' and a toll-free helpline '1972' 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. 'Mr. Jagan had visited a ganja batch in Tenali. Politicians should be role models,' 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's current development agenda and the IT boom in Hyderabad during his previous tenure, he said, 'Back 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,' he cautioned.
He reiterated the government's commitment to the Super Six promises, and criticized the previous regime for burdening the State with ₹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. ' Strict action will continue against those involved in drug-related offences,' he warned.
Prathipadu MLA Burla Ramanjaneyulu accused the YSRCP regime of turning the State into the 'ganja capital', 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.
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