Andhra Pradesh's Coordinated Anti-Drug Operation Yields 157 Convictions
In a significant advancement for Andhra Pradesh's ongoing battle against narcotics, a unified effort involving the Law and Order Police, Investigating Officers, the Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE/LAGLE), and prosecution agencies has led to 157 convictions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. This enforcement success occurred between January 1, 2025, and February 6, 2026, marking a robust period of judicial action against drug-related crimes.
Landmark Judgment in Chodavaram Court
In a particularly notable ruling delivered on February 11, the Ninth Additional District Court at Chodavaram imposed a severe penalty on Srira Appalanaidu. The court sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and levied a fine of ₹1 lakh for his involvement in the illegal trafficking of 60 kg of ganja. This case, registered as Crime No 01/2016 at the Chidikada police station in Anakapalle district, is widely viewed as sending a powerful deterrent message to organized drug offenders operating within the state.
Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta extended his congratulations to the Anakapalle district Superintendent of Police for his supervisory role, which was instrumental in securing convictions across a substantial number of NDPS cases.
Comprehensive Breakdown of Convictions and Sentences
According to official statistics released by the authorities, courts throughout Andhra Pradesh adjudicated 72 NDPS cases during the specified review period. The sentencing outcomes for the 157 convicted individuals were as follows:
- 1 individual received the maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment accompanied by a ₹2 lakh fine.
- 57 offenders were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 to 15 years, each with a ₹1 lakh fine.
- 20 convicts were given sentences between 5 and 10 years, along with fines of ₹20,000.
- The remaining convicted persons received varying jail terms, reflecting the specific gravity and circumstances of their respective offences.
District-Wise Performance and Enforcement Strategies
Anakapalle district emerged as the leader in enforcement outcomes, recording 71 convictions, which represents nearly half of the state's total. Other districts contributing significantly to the conviction tally include:
- Alluri Seetharamaraju district with 11 convictions
- Vizianagaram district with 7 convictions
- Visakhapatnam district with 6 convictions
- Guntur district with 6 convictions
Law enforcement officials attribute this success to several key factors:
- Meticulous investigation procedures
- Robust evidence collection methodologies
- Effective courtroom presentation of cases
- Specialized training provided through the TAGIT Centre of Excellence
- Expert workshops focused on emerging drug trafficking trends and enforcement techniques
Leadership Recognition and Public Cooperation
DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, IPS, and Inspector General of EAGLE A K Ravi Krishna, IPS, publicly commended the dedication and hard work of the officers involved in these operations. They emphasized that public cooperation remains an essential component in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking. Citizens are encouraged to report any information related to drug activities through the toll-free EAGLE helpline: 1972.
This comprehensive enforcement effort demonstrates Andhra Pradesh's strengthened commitment to combating narcotics through judicial rigor, specialized training, and community engagement, setting a precedent for drug law enforcement across the region.
