Despite continuous raids and arrests, the drug menace continues to haunt Guntur district. Repeated seizures and shocking incidents clearly show how deeply ganja and narcotics have entered society, particularly among the youth. Many believe that the unchecked spread of drugs during the previous YSRCP government has now turned into a serious challenge for the present generation.
Repeated Seizures Raise Serious Concerns
In recent months, police have made several significant seizures. For instance, on November 27, officers seized a large quantity of liquid ganja from a house on Etukuru Road and arrested the accused. Similarly, on December 7, police arrested six ganja peddlers near a by-lane off Lalpuram Road. However, despite these actions, drug networks continue to resurface, which has raised serious concerns among residents.
Shocking Incident Involving a Minor Girl
Meanwhile, a recent incident deeply disturbed the city. A gang allegedly forced a minor girl in Guntur into drug addiction. As a result, her mother, unable to cope with the trauma, reportedly attempted suicide. This incident not only shocked locals but also highlighted the devastating social impact of drug abuse.
Youth Targeted Through Colleges and Parties
According to police sources, drug gangs are deliberately targeting colleges and universities. They lure students with parties and then gradually introduce them to ganja and other narcotics. Moreover, driven by profit, these groups play with young lives without concern for consequences. Consequently, some youth, attracted by easy money, have also entered drug transportation and sales.
Coalition Government Takes a Tough Stand
Meanwhile, the coalition government has adopted a strict approach against drugs. To strengthen enforcement, it established the EAGLE wing. Within a year, the wing seized 3,737 kilograms of ganja. Later, in February, DGP Harish Kumar Gupta and EAGLE IG A.K. Ravi Krishna supervised the destruction of the seized contraband.
Special Task Force Intensifies Operations
In addition, SP Vakul Jindal recently formed a Special Task Force to tighten enforcement. Over the last three months, police arrested 150 people and seized large quantities of ganja and drugs. Nevertheless, youth continue to get caught while selling narcotics, which remains a major concern for authorities.
Identified Drug Hotspots in Guntur
Furthermore, police have identified several drug hotspots across Guntur city. These include Old Guntur, Nallacheruvu, Etukuru Road, Lalpuram, Nehru Nagar, New Guntur, Nagarampalem, Srinivasa Rao Thota, Gujjanagundla, Pattabhipuram, Arundelpet, Cobaldpet, Aditya Nagar, Sharada Colony, Housing Board Colony, and Nallapadu.
Interstate Drug Smuggling Under Watch
Finally, investigations revealed that some youth who travel to Hyderabad and Bengaluru for employment become addicted to drugs there. Later, they illegally transport narcotics through private travel buses and trains. Therefore, police have increased surveillance on these routes to curb interstate drug trafficking.
Authorities have urged parents, educational institutions, and the public to remain vigilant. They emphasized that only collective effort can protect youth from drugs and secure their future.
