Vijayawada — Andhra Pradesh police have wiped out ganja cultivation and crippled inter-state drug networks, drawing praise from national anti-narcotics bodies. EAGLE Team Inspector General Ravikrishna shared these accomplishments Saturday during a review of the unit’s past year.

The EAGLE wing, now a dedicated anti-drug division, coordinates closely with district superintendents of police, collectors and departments including Forest, Agriculture and Revenue. Officials use the NCORD mechanism for these efforts, according to Ravikrishna.

Operation Chaitanya targeted ganja hotspots after authorities pinpointed Alluri Sitarama Raju district as a major cultivation area in 2024. Teams used drone surveillance, satellite mapping, cordon-and-search raids, awareness campaigns and alternative crop promotions to eliminate the practice entirely. National Anti-Narcotics Task Force and Apex NCORD meetings in New Delhi recognized the results.

Operation Garuda now combats opioid abuse. The “EAGLE on Trains” initiative heightens checks on 21 train categories. Under Operation Safe Campus Zone, enforcing the COTPA Act of 2003, police inspected 45,000 shops near schools and colleges. Those checks produced fines totaling ₹75 lakh.

Ravikrishna highlighted community outreach. Authorities formed over 40,000 EAGLE Clubs, reaching 2 million students with campaigns like “Drugs Vaddu Bro.” The PIT NDPS Act of 1988 allowed detention of 96 repeat offenders; police submitted 296 proposals to the government for further action. Teams destroyed 1.12 lakh kilograms of ganja and won convictions in 157 cases.

Looking ahead, the 2026 roadmap calls for dismantling drug financiers, boosting tech surveillance, launching women-focused awareness drives and rolling out “EAGLE at the Doorstep.” Ravikrishna urged residents to report suspicious activity to the 1972 call center, promising full confidentiality.

Andhra Pradesh’s aggressive stance has put the state in the national spotlight. Ganja fields once thrived in remote districts; now, those areas promote legal crops. Train patrols have cut smuggling routes. Student clubs support peer pressure against drugs.

The EAGLE Team’s growth reflects broader commitment. Strengthened last year, it blends enforcement with prevention. National acknowledgment came after Operation Chaitanya’s success. Officials plan to build on that momentum.

Financial disruption tops the new priorities. Drug lords launder profits through hawala and crypto, sources say. Advanced surveillance—drones, AI analytics, satellite feeds—will track movements. Women-specific programs aim at vulnerable groups. Doorstep services bring help directly to communities.

Citizen tips via 1972 have surged. Anonymity encourages reports on peddlers and labs. Convictions under NDPS show courts back the crackdown. Fines from tobacco inspections fund more drives.

Ravikrishna’s update signals no letup. Andhra Pradesh leads southern states in seizures and eradications. The 2026 plan promises even sharper focus amid rising synthetic drug threats.