In a major anti-drug operation, the Andhra Pradesh police deployed drones to detect and destroy 3.55 acres of illegal ganja (cannabis) fields in the Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district on November 11, 2024. The operation targeted over 20 locations, including Degalarai village, Solabham panchayat, and G Madugula Mandal, marking a significant success in the ongoing crackdown on illicit cannabis cultivation in the region.
Drone Technology in Action
The use of drones allowed the police to cover a wide area efficiently and pinpoint cannabis plantations across varied land types. The destroyed fields included:
- 1.2 acres of patta land, where four individuals were found cultivating cannabis.
- 0.05 acres of government land, with one individual arrested.
- 1.95 acres of unsurveyed land, where nine individuals were involved in illegal cultivation.
- 0.35 acres of forest land, with five people engaged in farming cannabis.
A total of 19 individuals were identified for their involvement in illegal ganja cultivation, and legal proceedings have begun against them.
Part of the 100-Day Action Plan
This operation is part of the 100-Day Action Plan launched on June 12, 2024, aimed at combating ganja farming and trafficking. The plan involves several strategies, such as:
- Expansion of checkposts and vehicle checkpoints.
- Creation of dedicated task forces to coordinate efforts at multiple administrative levels.
The district has also taken significant steps in tackling the wider issue of narcotic production, having already registered 141 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This has led to the seizure of over 11,618 kg of ganja and 3.05 kg of hashish oil, with 390 arrests made.
Stronger Legal Actions
As part of the district’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal ganja production, 19 Preventive Detention (PD) Acts have been proposed for repeat offenders, including individuals from neighboring Odisha. The ASR district police have also made substantial progress in tracking down absconding criminals, arresting 137 individuals since the beginning of the year.
Comprehensive Strategy
The district’s anti-drug operations are complemented by public awareness campaigns and community involvement, further strengthening its commitment to eradicating illegal ganja cultivation and trafficking.
