Cops to keep tab on ganja, drugs sales near educational institutions

VIJAYAWADA: Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) commissioner M. Ravi Prakash has directed officials to check the sale of ganja and drugs near all educational institutions and bookcases against those involved in such crimes.

The commissioner met SEB officials of Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitaramaraju, Kakinada, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, Eluru, West Godavari, NTR and Krishna districts for two days on Thursday and Friday.

Ravi Prakash suggested that an eye be kept on Kirana and pan shops located near educational institutions to check the sale of narcotics. Students using ganja and drugs must be counselled on getting caught for the first time in the presence of their parents. They must be advised to give up such a habit.

The SEB commissioner asked officials to set up “Drug-Free Andhra Pradesh” hoardings at all colleges and universities, apart from important places, on ill-effects of narcotics and penal action against users. He wanted vigil to be stepped up at inter-state borders to check the smuggling of ganja and drugs. He instructed officials to book habitual offenders under provisions of the Preventive Detention Act.

Ravi Prakash directed officials to carry out raids against illicitly distilled and non-duty-paid liquor in all districts. He asked them to identify families involved in making ID liquor and cultivating ganja and help them find alternative sources of livelihood.

The SEB commissioner instructed officials to act tough and curb illegal activities like gambling, online betting and cockfights under provisions of the AP Gaming Act.