District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore directed authorities concerned to keep a close watch on ganja trafficking routes from Odisha through the Vizianagaram border into Visakhapatnam district. He also emphasised the need for enhanced surveillance on ganja smuggling routes and extensive awareness campaigns to prevent youth, especially students, from falling prey to drug abuse.Reviewing anti-narcotics measures at the district-level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) committee meeting held at the Collectorate on Saturday (July 18, 2026), the Collector ordered the officials to intensify measures to curb the illegal trafficking and consumption of narcotic substances in the district.He directed the police, Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), APSRTC and other enforcement agencies to conduct joint inspections at railway stations, bus stations, check-posts and other transit points. He also called for increased deployment of drones, CCTV surveillance, night-vision equipment and sniffer dogs to strengthen monitoring.Expressing concern over the possibility of synthetic drugs and cocaine being smuggled through sea routes, Mr. Kishore directed the Customs Department, Indian Coast Guard, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Gangavaram Port and police to maintain strict surveillance in port areas.The Collector also instructed officials to ensure that people addicted to drugs are referred to de-addiction, counselling, and rehabilitation centres for treatment and social reintegration.Commissioner of Police Shankhabrata Bagchi said that as part of ‘Operation Vajra Prahar’, police have been carrying out special inspections and cordon-and-search operations in identified drug hotspots across the city. He added that drone surveillance, CCTV monitoring and the use of sniffer dogs were being further expanded to strengthen enforcement.DCP’s Mary Prashanthi and Ch. Manikanta, personnel from EAGLE, Coast Guard, Customs, Visakhapatnam Port, Gangavaram Port, APSRTC, KGH were present. Published - July 18, 2026 07:43 pm IST