Superintendent of Police (SP) Tushar Dudi said that special teams have been formed to step up the campaign against ganja and narcotics across the Chittoor district. He warned that both trafficking and consumption of drugs will invite stringent legal action under the NDPS Act.

Speaking to the media here on Monday, the SP said that the core campaign would spread awareness with the slogan “Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs.” He said that narcotics may provide temporary pleasure, but eventually ruin health, education, families, and careers, particularly that of the students and youth. He expressed concern that many youngsters were falling prey to addiction out of curiosity or peer pressure, leading to mental stress, health complications, and criminal behaviour.

“The police teams have already launched intensified surveillance in schools, colleges, hostels, public places, and other sensitive areas. Drone cameras, CCTV monitoring, interceptor vehicles, and special checking drives are being deployed to track suspicious activity. Several cases have already been filed and ganja suppliers arrested in recent operations,” Mr. Tushar Dudi said.

Cautioning the youth and students against social media traps linked to narcotics, the SP said that the cyber wing was monitoring online drug networks. He appealed to the public to share information about the drug menace through Dial 112, Chittoor police WhatsApp number 9440900005, helpline 1972, or nearby police stations immediately.