Over 25,800 Cases Reported Under Andhra Pradesh’s ‘Operation Safe Campus Zone

Speedy Summary

• the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE), along with district law enforcement teams, conducted raids under the initiative ‘Operation Safe Campus Zone.’
• raids targeted 16,806 establishments near educational institutions to curb sales of narcotic drugs, ganja, cigarettes, tobacco, and gutkha products.
• A total of 25,807 cases were booked during these raids.
• Authorities imposed fines amounting to ₹40.62 lakh for violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.
• The operation seeks to enforce Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines by eliminating drug sales within 100 yards of schools and colleges.
• DGP Harish Kumar Gupta stated that police would continue vigilance at identified hotspots to preserve drug-free zones around educational institutions and safeguard youth.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The concerted effort by EAGLE and local police under ‘Operation Safe Campus Zone’ reflects a growing commitment toward addressing substance abuse problems in proximity to educational institutions. With over ₹40 lakh collected in fines from violators and thousands of cases registered statewide, this drive showcases the seriousness with which law enforcement is tackling illegal trade practices involving harmful substances like narcotics and tobacco.From a policy perspective, such large-scale actions demonstrate alignment with India’s broader public health goals regarding substance control among vulnerable groups such as students. Regular intelligence-driven monitoring could yield sustained results in creating safer environments around schools; however, ensuring consistent follow-up on violations will be critical for long-term effectiveness.

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