Amaravati, June 26 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh stands for zero tolerance for drug trafficking, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Friday on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

He stated that the state government was committed to cracking down on drug trafficking and bringing the offenders to justice.

“On this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we are reminded that the fight against drugs is ultimately a fight for our young people, their dreams, their health, and their future,” the Chief Minister said in a social media post.

“In Andhra Pradesh, we are committed to relentlessly cracking down on drug trafficking and bringing those responsible to justice. At the same time, we will extend every possible support to those battling addiction, helping them recover with dignity and rebuild their lives,” he said.

“The days when drugs were allowed to gain a foothold in our state are behind us. Today, Andhra Pradesh stands for zero tolerance for drug trafficking, hope for those seeking recovery, and a safer future for every family,” CM Chandrababu added.

State Minister for Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh stated that on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Government of Andhra Pradesh firmly reiterates its unwavering commitment to completely eradicating the menace of drugs.

“Through aggressive law enforcement operations, strict border and transit monitoring, and comprehensive community rehabilitation programs, Andhra Pradesh is actively dismantling drug networks while creating viable, legal livelihoods for vulnerable communities. The state calls upon every citizen, educational institution, and civil society group to join hands in this vital mission to ensure a safe, healthy, and drug-free future,” said Lokesh.

The minister, through his post on ‘X’, highlighted the key initiatives and achievements of the government during the last few years. These include Operation Chaitanyam, under which the state achieved zero cannabis (Ganja) cultivation in the Alluri Sitarama Raju district. Alternative crops have been introduced across 29,840 acres. The government rehabilitated 325 families involved in cannabis cultivation.

The Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE), Vigilance Enforcement, Drug Control Administration and local police launched joint initiatives called ‘Operation Garuda’ to regulate the sale of narcotics and psychotropic substances in medical shops. The EAGLE conducted over 800 cordon-and-search operations. It inspected 1.93 lakh people and seized 61.8 kg of cannabis, 10 kg of cannabis seeds and 9,346 vehicles.

–IANS

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