Andhra Pradesh launches anti-narcotics unit 'EAGLE' to combat drug-related crimes

Andhra Pradesh launches anti-narcotics group 'EAGLE' to fight drug crimes with new enforcement units, control cells, and special courts. Headquarters in Amaravati to oversee prevention, prosecution, and monitoring initiatives.

In Short

• Andhra Pradesh launches elite anti-drug unit EAGLE
• EAGLE includes 26 control cells and special courts
• Rs 8.59 crore allocated to combat drug crimes statewide

The Andhra Pradesh Home Ministry has announced the formation of an Elite Anti-Narcotics Group, named “EAGLE,” to intensify the fight against drug-related offenses in the state. This initiative aims to reinforce public health, safety, and social responsibility by focusing on the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of drug crimes.

The headquarters of EAGLE, along with a dedicated Special Narcotics Police Station, will be based in Amaravati. The unit will comprise 358 officers, with 341 appointed on deputation and 17 on a regular basis. To ensure comprehensive coverage, 26 District Narcotics Control Cells will be established, one in each district of Andhra Pradesh. Recognizing the demanding nature of their duties, personnel working in the head office, narcotics police station, and district control cells will receive a special allowance of 30%.

To support the operations of EAGLE, the government has allocated a budget of Rs 8.59 crore. The group will operate through five key divisions: Investigation Monitoring and Legal Wing, Documentation Training and Awareness Wing, Administrative and Logistics Wing, Technical Wing, and State Task Force. These specialized units aim to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and foster a coordinated approach to tackling drug-related challenges.

In addition, an armed surveillance security system, staffed by 249 personnel, will be set up at the Amaravati head office. A toll-free central control room with 12 call takers will further bolster communication and rapid response capabilities. To ensure transparency and prevent misuse, seized drugs will be monitored continuously through a Central Depository equipped with CCTV surveillance.

The state government is also prioritizing swift justice for drug-related crimes by establishing five special courts in Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Vijayawada, Guntur, and Tirupati. These courts, operating under the Andhra Pradesh High Court, are expected to expedite the legal process and deliver timely verdicts.