CM Chandrababu Naidu Reaffirms Zero Tolerance On Drug Trafficking In Andhra Pradesh

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday reiterated that Andhra Pradesh maintains a strict “zero tolerance” policy towards drug trafficking, stressing that the state remains committed to dismantling narcotics networks and ensuring a safer future for young people. His remarks came on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed globally on June 26.

In a social media post, the Chief Minister said the fight against drugs is fundamentally a fight to protect the dreams, health and future of the youth. He emphasised that the state government will continue to take strong action against drug traffickers while also extending support to individuals struggling with addiction so they can recover with dignity and rebuild their lives.

Naidu asserted that the era when drug networks were allowed to establish a foothold in Andhra Pradesh is over. He said the government is committed to ensuring strict enforcement measures, describing the state’s approach as one of “zero tolerance for drug trafficking” and “hope for those seeking recovery.” He added that the administration is working to create a safer environment for every family in the state.

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State Minister for Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh also reiterated the government’s commitment, stating that Andhra Pradesh is actively working to eliminate the drug menace through coordinated enforcement and rehabilitation efforts. He called upon citizens, educational institutions and civil society organisations to join hands with the government in building a drug-free society and safeguarding future generations.

Lokesh highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including Operation Chaitanyam, under which the state claims to have achieved zero cannabis cultivation in the Alluri Sitarama Raju district. He also noted that alternative crops have been introduced across nearly 29,840 acres and that 325 families previously involved in cannabis cultivation have been rehabilitated as part of livelihood transition efforts.

He further cited enforcement actions carried out under Operation Garuda, led by the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) along with other agencies. According to official figures shared by the minister, more than 800 cordon-and-search operations have been conducted, nearly 1.93 lakh individuals were inspected, and significant quantities of narcotics along with thousands of vehicles have been seized as part of the state’s ongoing crackdown on drug-related activities.

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