Society Must Unite to Fight Drug Abuse: EAGLE Chief

AP EAGLE chief Aake Ravikrishna called upon society to unite under a “Break the Silence” campaign to protect youngsters from drug abuse, warning that narcotics posed a threat to individuals, families and the country’s future.

Addressing an anti-drug awareness programme organised jointly by the Indian Red Cross Society and EAGLE at Siddhartha Pharmacy College here on Wednesday, he said creating awareness must become a mission, particularly through educational institutions, which cater to nearly 70 lakh students in the state.

Ravikrishna cautioned youngsters against tobacco, alcohol and cannabis, and dangerous substances including methamphetamine, LSD, heroin, cocaine and opioids. Citing NDPS cases, he said a BTech Computer Science graduate had progressed from cannabis use to selling it and eventually landed in jail. He also cited the arrest of four Vijayawada students with methamphetamine despite warnings from their parents.

Explaining the EAGLE mission against the emerging narcotics threat to India, Ravikrishna highlighted trafficking networks linked to the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle and warned that India could become a transit and later consumption route.

He said Operation Vajra Prahar had identified more than 80 drug hotspots using 10–15 years of data. Operation Safe Campus targets drugs and tobacco near educational institutions, Operation Garuda monitors prescription drug sales and Operation EAGLE on Trains tackles trafficking through rail routes. EAGLE was also working to eradicate cannabis cultivation and provide alternative livelihoods to about 25,000 farmers.

Indian Red Cross Society AP chairman Dr G. Samaram said the MoU with AP EAGLE focused on keeping youth away from drug abuse, spreading awareness across society and building a drug-free Andhra Pradesh. He said EAGLE Clubs would be established in schools and colleges.

Around 169 persons had faced preventive detention and assets worth ₹10.18 crore had been seized or attached, he said. The public can share confidential information on drug-related activities on 1972.