Ganja Trafficker Detained Under PIT NDPS Act In Bapatla

VIJAYAWADA: Bapatla district police have invoked the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act against a habitual ganja offender and shifted her to Rajamahendravaram Central Jail under preventive detention orders issued by the Andhra Pradesh government.

Bapatla district superintendent of police B. Umamaheswar said stringent measures are being taken to make the district free of ganja trafficking and warned that those involved in the illegal transportation and sale of narcotic substances would face strict action.

The accused, Marri alias Itta Parameswari, 36, of Perala in Chirala mandal, was allegedly involved in repeated ganja trafficking despite previous arrests and police warnings. Acting on a report submitted by the SP, the government issued detention orders under Section 3(1) of the PIT NDPS Act.

Police said five ganja-related cases had been registered against her at Chirala I Town and Chirala II Town police stations. During investigations, authorities seized quantities ranging from a few hundred grams to 50 kg of ganja.

According to police, she procured ganja from tribal areas of Visakhapatnam district and sold it in small packets in and around Chirala. Police alleged that the contraband was supplied to students, youth and labourers.

The SP said awareness programmes are being conducted on the harmful effects of drug abuse and that surveillance is being maintained on individuals involved in narcotics-related offences.

He appealed to the public to share information on the possession, consumption or sale of narcotic substances through Dial 112 or the helpline 1972, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.