Drone Zeroes In On Youth Injecting Drugs To Self In Tirupati

In response, superintendent of police V. Harshavardhan Raju has instructed special teams to step up surveillance in drug-prone areas using drones. The SP’s move came after a video went viral on social media, showing three youth injecting a substance behind the Indira Priyadarshini vegetable market.
On Tuesday, Tirupati police caught four more youth in a similar act near Lingeswara Nagar, close to the busy Bairagipatteda area. Acting on real-time drone visuals, members of the Eagle and drone surveillance teams reached the spot and detained the youth. They later shifted them to Tirupati Rural police station for inquiry.

Tirupati Rural circle inspector (CI) Chinna Govind said the four individuals, all residents of Lingeswara Nagar, had been frequenting the area’s tree cover to inject drugs away from public view. During questioning, they admitted to picking up the habit due to peer pressure.

“No criminal charges have been filed in this instance. Instead, we focused on counselling them about the health risks and long-term consequences of such addiction,” the CI said. He summoned parents of the youth to the police station and informed them about the development.
The youth expressed remorse during the counselling session, acknowledging the risk they had taken. “We didn’t realise how badly we are harming ourselves. We hope others don’t make the same mistake,” one of the youths said.

Following parental consent, the youth have been referred to a rehabilitation centre for treatment and rehabilitation.

Police have clarified that their current intervention is corrective in nature, but warned that a repeat offence will result in legal action.

The Circle-Inspector said their drones will continue monitoring secluded areas, while asking parents to be vigilant about behavioural changes within their children.

“Spotting signs early and seeking help can make all the difference. We want to intervene before lives get derailed,” the CI added.