Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta inspecting seized ganja ahead of the destruction programme held at the Kapuluppada dumping yard in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: V. RAJU
Comparing ganja smugglers to terrorists, Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta said both pose a serious threat to society. Comparing ganja smugglers to terrorists, Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta said both pose a serious threat to society.
“Just as we have dealt with terrorism, we will tackle ganja smuggling with the same determination,” he said.
He was speaking at a ganja destruction programme held at the Jindal Urban Waste Management Limited incinerator in Kapuluppada on Sunday. About 10,147 kg of ganja, 19 litres of hash oil, and 1 kg of opium—worth around ₹5.21 crore in total—seized by the city police were destroyed in the presence of District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad, Commissioner of Police Shankabrata Bagchi, and members of the Drug Disposal Committee.
The DGP said the police have been taking proactive measures to curb the ganja menace in the State. “Through strict vigilance, we have completely restricted ganja cultivation,” he said. “A new satellite survey has been conducted, and we may soon declare Andhra Pradesh as having zero ganja production.”
He added that the police’s war on the drug menace has yielded encouraging results but must continue with sustained effort. “There are two crucial aspects in this fight—the government’s role and public participation,” he said. “Police are taking several steps to control the menace, but the public must also play a part. If anyone notices a youth addicted to ganja, they should ensure that the person receives proper counselling and rehabilitation.”
He further noted that ganja production in Andhra Pradesh has nearly ceased, with most illegal supplies now originating from other States. Police are focusing on busting inter-State gangs and arresting those involved.
Mr. Shankabrata Bagchi said that 1,435 accused have been arrested in 533 NDPS Act cases since 2024—712 from Visakhapatnam, 332 from other districts, and 391 from other States. He said 647 drug offender sheets have been opened against repeat offenders, and movable and immovable properties identified as proceeds of crime are being submitted to the courts for attachment.
Mr. Bagchi added that enforcement is being strengthened through check-post surveillance, use of advanced technology, aerial monitoring, and deployment of canine units. A total of 866 drug addicts have been identified in the city and referred to de-addiction and counselling centres for treatment.
Published – November 02, 2025 08:11 pm IST
