DGP Announces Technology-Driven Approach to Eradicate Ganja in AP

Visakhapatnam:DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao has said it will take time for the police to make AP entirely free of Ganja (cannabis), but efforts are being intensified to reduce its prevalence.

“Complete eradication may not happen immediately. The state police will be working diligently over the next 100 days to bring the situation under control, with a long-term goal of eradication,” he said.

The DGP announced after a review meeting at the Visakhapatnam Commissionerate office on Wednesday that the state government is taking proactive steps to eliminate Ganja, including the formation of a five-member cabinet committee to study the problem and propose solutions. An Anti-Narcotic Task Force is also in the planning stages.

A toll-free number, 1972, will be activated within two days to help the public to report Ganja-related issues directly to the Narcotics department.

He said the 100-day action plan includes identifying the sources of Ganja, destroying crops and providing farmers with alternative crops for their livelihood. Those found cultivating Ganja, especially during this sowing season, would face severe punishment. The focus will be on the Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) region. Drones and sniffer dogs will be employed to identify Ganja crops.

The state is also planning to expand its cybercrime infrastructure, with the chief minister sanctioning cybercrime stations in every sub-division, he said.

Special teams would be formed to deal with ATM thefts and security measures will be strengthened in hospitals. “Due to lack of funds, we are not able to provide better services in many departments. Bills are pending for the police department for three years.