Published Jul 14, 2025 | 1:11 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 14, 2025 | 1:11 PM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
23,770 kilos of cannabis were seized, 2,014 arrests were made, and 831 drug cases were registered in the crackdown against cannabis in Andhra Pradesh.
Home Minister Anitha Vangalapudi, speaking to the press, said, “Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is doing a yagna to rid the state of the Ganja menace.”
“Andhra Pradesh was dubbed a drug hub at one point. Neighbouring states held press meets talking about how Ganja originates from the state,” she recalled, adding that the image has changed.
“We were able to rid Araku or its image linked to Ganja, renewing efforts to promote coffee,” she further added.
She revealed that 831 drug cases, 2,014 arrests, 23770 kgs of cannabis, 27 liters of Hashish oil, and 2,093 vehicles were seized in this crackdown. She added that they seized close to ₹7 crore in assets.
“During the previous regime, Ganja reached the schoolbags of children. That was a major focus for us. Today, EAGLE teams are working across campuses,” she added.
“Some people are taking advantage of the vulnerable financial positions of innocent tribals. We are trying to prevent such exploitation by providing them with alternate crop options,” she added.
She reported that they used drone and satellite surveillance to identify cannabis crops.
“We are also mulling stopping welfare schemes for the families of anyone convicted in a drug case,” she revealed.
