AP EAGLE Showcases Anti-Drug Operations to Union Official

Union Home Ministry on Sunday reviewed Andhra Pradesh's anti-narcotics initiatives at the AP ANTF-EAGLE headquarters in Mangalagiri, with reference to its technology-driven operations, 1972 toll-free helpline and 40,000 EAGLE clubs.

Joint Secretary Chittaranjan Das held talks with AP EAGLE chief and IGP Ake Ravikrishna, who cited the organisation's achievements since its formation in November 2024.

Operating through seven functional verticals and 15 specialised units, its Centre of Excellence has trained 29,348 police personnel in the NDPS Act, financial investigations and drug detection.

Under Operation Chaitanyam, drones and satellite technology are being used to detect ganja cultivation. Recently, 1,731 plants grown across nine acres among maize crops in Nellore district were destroyed. Farmers in tribal areas are being encouraged to cultivate coffee, avocado and rambutan. The agency is also coordinating with Odisha to curb supplies from Koraput and Malkangiri.

EAGLE seized 368 grams of synthetic drugs in 2025 and around 470 grams this year. Analysis of 12 years of crime data identified 849 drug-consumption hotspots. Under Operation Trishul, nearly 19,000 people were screened, with 2,366 testing preliminarily positive for THC.

Its NARS database integrates CCTNS, NIRAS and ICJS records, consolidating 50,000 offenders' details and identifying 160 drug networks. Other initiatives include railway surveillance, coordinated inspections and action against prescription drug misuse.

Ravikrishna said 40,000 EAGLE clubs and 75,000 awareness programmes had been established. Nearly 1.5 crore people took anti-drug pledges, while digital campaigns reached 8.3 crore. The 1972 helpline enables anonymous complaints, with integration into the Centre's MANAS system discussed.

States like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have expressed their interest in studying the model.

Das called for NGO participation, rehabilitation and employment for recovering addicts, counselling and skill development for school dropouts and unemployed youth, and wider awareness campaigns through educational, religious and community institutions.

Das stressed a 'whole of nation–whole of society approach', stronger inter-state coordination and 360-degree profiling of drug offenders, describing drug abuse as a social challenge requiring collective action.