Over 52 tonnes of ganja destroyed in Visakhapatnam Range
The Visakhapatnam Range police carried out one of the largest narcotics disposal exercises in recent years, destroying more than 52 tonnes of ganja and significant quantities of hashish oil at the Coastal Waste Management Project in Parawada, Anakapalli district.
Speaking at a media briefing here on Wednesday, Gopinath Jatti, Inspector General of Police, Visakhapatnam Range, said the department conducted the incineration in line with directions from the Andhra Pradesh Police headquarters.
The exercise covered contraband linked to 783 cases across two districts. In the Alluri Sitarama Raju district, police teams destroyed 35,268.374 kg of ganja and 132.157 litres of hashish oil tied to 451 cases. Meanwhile, in Anakapalli district, authorities disposed of 17,068.24 kg of ganja and 10.03 litres of hashish oil connected to 332 cases. Altogether, the disposal accounted for 52,336.614 kg of ganja and 142.187 litres of hashish oil.
Police also highlighted recent enforcement outcomes. Between June 2024 and January 2026, officers registered 976 cases and arrested 2,405 persons. During the same period, they seized 55,346.292 kg of ganja and 56.275 kg of hashish oil. In addition, authorities confiscated 685 vehicles allegedly used for drug transport.
Investigators, moreover, identified 24 interstate trafficking networks. As a result, they placed 129 suspected operatives under sustained surveillance.
Alongside field operations, the police pursued financial investigations under the NDPS Act. These probes led to the identification and freezing of assets worth ₹9.19 crore belonging to 14 key accused. Officials said confirmation orders followed as part of efforts to weaken the financial backbone of drug syndicates.
To deter repeat offences, authorities invoked provisions of the PIT NDPS Act. They prepared 92 proposals and executed 34 detention orders. Further, police opened history sheets against 1,599 individuals.
Technology, too, played a central role. Officers deployed 33 advanced drones to monitor 129 hotspots. Consequently, they conducted 1,360 surveillance operations and caught several offenders in the act. Investigators also used digital platforms, including KHOJ, NIDAAN, and NATGRID, to strengthen criminal intelligence and tracking.
At the same time, officials emphasised social interventions. Six de-addiction centres counselled 401 individuals, while 244 of them underwent treatment.
To curb illicit cultivation, authorities facilitated the distribution of 1.59 crore saplings. The initiative promoted alternative crops across 29,840 acres.
“Young people must not jeopardise their future through substance abuse. Community participation is crucial to building a ganja-free society,” Mr. Jatti said. He urged citizens to share information through the EAGLE toll-free numbers 1972 or 1933 and assured confidentiality.
Senior officers from Anakapalli and Alluri Sitarama Raju districts attended the destruction programme.