Andhra Pradesh launches integrated 'Trishul' strategy to combat drugs and crime

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced an intensified crackdown on drug trafficking and related crimes under a new integrated strategy. The initiative, dubbed 'Trishul,' combines enforcement operations, public awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation efforts to address substance abuse and its associated social harms across the state.

The multi-pronged approach includes a structured calendar of awareness and enforcement programmes designed to target ganja and other drug trade networks. State authorities plan to coordinate action across multiple agencies to disrupt supply chains and apprehend traffickers involved in the illegal narcotics business.

Central to the strategy is the establishment of de-addiction centres of excellence in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and Amaravati. These facilities are intended to provide comprehensive rehabilitation and treatment services for individuals struggling with substance dependence, addressing both the supply and demand sides of the drug problem.

The Chief Minister's announcement reflects growing concerns about the cascading social consequences of drug abuse, including criminal activity and road safety incidents. Officials indicated that the coordinated strategy aims to reduce drug-related offences and enhance public safety outcomes across multiple sectors of the state's administration.