Collector calls for coordinated efforts to curb drug trafficking in Visakhapatnam
District Collector M. Abhishikt Kishore has directed officials from various departments to intensify coordinated efforts to curb drug trafficking and consumption across the district.
During a review of anti-drug measures at the Narcotics Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting held at the Collectorate on Saturday, Mr. Kishore stressed the need to strengthen surveillance along ganja smuggling routes, especially those connecting Odisha through the Vizianagaram border areas.
He instructed the police, Government Railway Police, Railway Protection Force, APSRTC, and other agencies to conduct joint inspections at railway stations, bus stations, check-posts, and key transit points. He also called for wider deployment of technology, including drones, CCTV cameras, night vision equipment, and sniffer dogs, to detect and prevent the movement of narcotics.
The Collector directed officials to maintain heightened vigilance at Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram ports to prevent the smuggling of synthetic drugs through maritime routes. He also emphasised the need for stronger coordination with Central agencies to identify and dismantle trafficking networks.
Highlighting the importance of rehabilitation for drug users, Mr. Kishore instructed officials to ensure that those affected have access to de-addiction treatment and counselling services through institutions such as King George Hospital and Greens Valley.
Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi said that 117 cases had been registered under the NDPS Act and 223 persons arrested until June 2026. During enforcement operations, police seized 617.29 kg of ganja, 10.83 grams of MDMA, 3.2 litres of hashish oil, and three LSD blotters.
He further stated that Drug Offender Sheets had been opened against 837 repeat offenders, while financial investigations into properties and transactions linked to traffickers were underway in 26 cases. Special operations, including drone surveillance and searches at identified drug hotspots under Operation Vajra Prahar, were continuing.