EAGLE Conducts Surprise Checks Near Schools, Colleges In Vijayawada
Ravi Krishna stated that, as per the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, all paan shops within a 100-metre radius of schools were checked as part of the operation.
Vijayawada:Under the Operation Safe Campus Zone initiative, the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group of Law Enforcement (EAGLE) chief Ake Ravi Krishna, along with Vijayawada Commissionerate DCP (Admin) KGV Saritha, conducted surprise inspections of grocery and paan shops located around Siddhartha Pharmacy College and Nalanda School in Machavaram Police Station limits on Saturday.
Ravi Krishna stated that, as per the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, all paan shops within a 100-metre radius of schools were checked as part of the operation. Action was taken against outlets found selling tobacco products and cigarettes.
"In the last week, we inspected 6,000 shops, imposed fines totalling ₹7.5 lakh, and issued warnings to shopkeepers not to sell tobacco products near educational institutions in future," Ravi Krishna said.
He urged all teachers to actively participate in Operation Safe Campus Zone and report instances of tobacco, drug, or ganja sales within 100 metres of any school or college by calling the EAGLE toll-free number 1972.
Later, Ravi Krishna took part in a drug awareness programme at Siddhartha Pharmacy College, addressing students on the dangers of drug addiction. He recommended increased surveillance of shops around educational institutions, implementation of ‘No Drugs Bro’ campaigns, and regular inspections to curb the sale of tobacco and related products.
He also called for enhanced parental involvement in creating ‘tobacco-free educational institutions’. The EAGLE chief assured that any credible information received via the 1972 EAGLE Call Centre would prompt swift legal action.
