Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district police have seized 220 kilograms of ganja (marijuana) and frozen properties purchased with drug money, officials said on Wednesday.
The operation, carried out under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mohammad Sheikh Shabaz Ahmed of Paderu and acting on instructions from District Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Bardar, IPS, also led to the arrest of three accused based on credible intelligence.
DSP Shabaz Ahmed urged shopkeepers and homeowners in the district to verify tenant backgrounds before renting, noting that several settlers from other states have been caught misusing tourism as a cover for ganja transport.
He cautioned, “Strict legal action will be taken against anyone directly or indirectly involved in ganja smuggling. Vehicle owners must ensure official ownership transfer, as unverified transactions could make them liable if the vehicles are later used in drug trafficking. Properties acquired through drug proceeds will be confiscated in coordination with Revenue and RTO departments, and beneficiaries will be barred from government schemes. If family members of government employees are found involved in such activities, their employment will be terminated.”
The DSP added that the special drive would continue, with vehicles already being shifted to police stations over the past two days. Authorities said the operation aimed to curb the rising smuggling of ganja in the district and dismantle networks misusing tourism as a front for drug transport.
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