How is Telangana Addressing the Drug Crisis with EAGLE Task Force?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Launch of EAGLE Task Force to combat drug abuse in Telangana.
- Zero Tolerance – Total Surveillance as the guiding principle.
- Collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
- Focus on protecting youth and educational institutions from drug abuse.
- Call for public involvement in reporting drug-related activities.
Hyderabad, June 26 (NationPress) The government of Telangana unveiled the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Task Force on Thursday to tackle the escalating drug crisis within the state. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy inaugurated this specialized unit aimed at combating the issues of drug abuse and illegal ganja cultivation, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
This elite squad has initiated operations statewide with the objective of identifying, preventing, and eradicating all forms of drug-related activities.
With a guiding principle of “Zero Tolerance – Total Surveillance”, EAGLE is outfitted with highly skilled personnel, state-of-the-art surveillance technologies, and collaborative support from law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
The Chief Minister announced that EAGLE teams will maintain vigilant oversight from urban neighborhoods to isolated forest regions, ensuring that no ganja plants are cultivated and no drugs infiltrate Telangana’s borders.
During an event in Hyderabad, he declared that the Telangana Anti-Narcotic Bureau (TGNAB) will henceforth be renamed EAGLE.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of transforming Telangana into a model state for drug eradication, stating, “Telangana is an IT and pharma hub. If it turns into a ganja and drugs hub, we all have failed.”
Revanth Reddy highlighted that Telangana has a rich history of struggles and movements and suggested it would be a disgrace for the state to become known for drugs.
He expressed concern over the impact of drugs on students ranging from schools to universities and urged educational institutions to implement measures to protect students from drug abuse.
He warned that youth addiction to ganja and drugs could threaten the survival of the nation.
Revanth Reddy noted that adversaries of India may exploit drugs as a weapon against the country, referencing Punjab's current struggles with drug issues.
Reiterating his government's commitment to combat trafficking, he instructed his ministers and police officials to take severe actions to deter traffickers from entering Telangana.
He mentioned that ganja and drugs are being deceptively marketed by mixing them with chocolate and ice cream and called for public cooperation in reporting drug sellers.
The Chief Minister commended actors Ram Charan and Vijaya Devarakonda for their involvement in the program to spread awareness.
Prominent figures such as filmmaker Dil Raju, BJP MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, DGP Jitender, and other senior officials were present at the event.