Visakhapatnam range police efforts to eradicate ganja and narcotic drugs in 2025

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Visakhapatnam Range Police, comprising five districts Anakapalle, ASR, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam and Srikakulam, implemented comprehensive measures during the year 2025 to achieve the goal of eradication of ganja and narcotic drugs and a drug-free society, yielding significant results. DIG (Visakha Range) Gopinath Jatti mentioned that in the 2025–2026 financial year, under the ASR district alternative crop distribution programme, 29,979 farmers were covered across 29,839 acres, while 34,012 farmers actually cultivated crops on 35,011 acres. During 2025, 0.10 acres of ganja cultivation were destroyed. In tribals pockets, alongside prevention of cannabis trafficking, training was provided in horticulture, aquaculture, poultry and small-scale industries in parts of the Visakhapatnam and Anakapalle districts, creating employment and livelihood opportunities, the police added. Enhanced Surveillance and Border Security:Using four advanced drones, 14,870 acres across 327 villages were surveyed to identify ganja-cultivated areas. For the identification of ganja-cultivated areas for 2025–26, surveys were ongoing, and 138 villages were verified so far. Through CCTV-equipped check posts (24) and 362 dynamic inspection points, large quantities of ganja and hashish oil were seized and hundreds of accused were arrested. Nine special dog squads were deployed to detect concealed ganja stocks, the police added. Strong Action Against Inter-State Networks:As many as 25 inter-state and 44 inter-district gangs were busted, leading to the arrest of 315 offenders from Andhra Pradesh and other states. Investigation, Convictions and Financial Action:As many as 34 special teams apprehended 444 absconding offenders. In 2025, 61 persons were convicted in 39 cases, with stringent sentences awarded. Assets worth Rs 9.13 crore were seized in 16 cases. A total of 99 PIT-NDPS proposals were initiated, and 645 NDPS suspect sheets were opened. Community Awareness – SANKALPAM Mission Mode:A total of 22,050 awareness programmes reached 1,272,357 persons. Participation included 16,690 villages and towns and 6,575 educational institutions, with 539,760 students involved. A total of 164,815 pamphlets were distributed, 388 drop boxes were installed, and 4,094 Eagle Clubs were established. Demand Reduction & Rehabilitation:De-addiction centres were established in every district. Through drone-based NDPS beats, consumption hotspots were identified, cases were registered against users, and 244 persons were referred to de-addiction centres. Destruction of Seized Narcotics:In February this year, through the DDC, 67,000 kg of ganja and 77.267 kg of hashish oil were destroyed.Law Enforcement Outcomes ( from Jan to Oct in 2025)509 cases were registered; 1,390 persons were arrested; 28,423 kg of ganja were seized; and 341 vehicles were confiscated.