Police introduce cannabis detection kits in Vizianagaram

The police have introduced cannabis detection kits to identify individuals who have consumed ganja, Superintendent of Police A.R. Damodar said on Friday, as part of intensified anti-drug enforcement measures in the district.

As part of a coordinated drive, the Anti-Drug Team and Eagle Team conducted inspections in Vizianagaram town on Saturday. During the checks, a person identified as Madugula Mahesh of VT Agraharam, BC Colony, was tested using the newly deployed drug detection kit and was found to have consumed cannabis, the SP said.

Mr. Damodar said the kits are based on advanced technology and are capable of detecting cannabis consumption within a minute, making on-field verification quicker and more effective for enforcement teams. He added that the initiative aims to strengthen surveillance and improve response time in identifying drug users.

He further said special teams comprising police personnel and officials from the Eagle unit have been constituted to carry out sustained anti-ganja operations across the district. These teams will continue conducting surprise inspections at schools, colleges, public places, and other locations identified as sensitive or vulnerable to drug-related activity.

The SP also said surveillance has been significantly strengthened along border areas of the district. Vehicle checks at inter-State checkpoints have been intensified to prevent the illegal transportation of ganja from neighbouring States into Andhra Pradesh.

Reiterating the department’s stance on narcotics, Mr. Damodar warned that consumption of ganja is a punishable offence and can lead to imprisonment. He urged the public, particularly youth, to stay away from drugs and cooperate with police efforts to curb drug abuse in the region.