Chief MInister YS Jaganmohan Reddy’s `dream city’ of capital for Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam is turning out to be the `drug capital of India’, as the city is found to be a focal point for national and international drug mafia. The ruling YSRCP seems to be on the defensive with the latest seizure of large scale drugs at Visakhapatnam Port, ahead of Lok Sabha polls.
The CBI, in collaboration with Interpol and the Customs Department in Visakhapatnam, intercepted a shipping container at Visakhapatnam Port as part of “Operation Garuda” against international drug cartels. The container, originating from Santos Port in Brazil and bound for Visakhapatnam, was declared to contain 1000 bags of Inactive Dried Yeast by the shipper.
However, initial inspection revealed the presence of narcotics mixed with the yeast. Each bag contained 25 Kg totalling 25000 kg of drugs. The entire shipment was seized, and a case was filed against the consignee and others involved. This operation exposes an international criminal network smuggling narcotics by mixing them with other substances. Investigations are ongoing.
Moreover, surprisingly the port officials and some other officials of the Andhra Pradesh government who had already arrived attempted to prevent CBI officials from checking. Even the company, which allegedly received these stocks, also tried to persuade the CBI officials to put those goods back in the container on the plea of possible rain. CBI officials seem to have wondered arrival of senior police officials from the state government, which was uncommon in their operations and recorded their presence in their report.
TDP chief and former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed concern about Andhra Pradesh becoming the drug capital of India, especially as evident after the CBI seizure of a staggering 25,000 kg drugs at Vizag port on Thursday.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) Chandrababu Naidu underscored the lack of cooperation from AP police and port employees, suggesting possible complicity and implicating the ruling party.
“The timing of such a massive drug consignment entering AP raises serious questions. What intentions could the ruling party have had for these drugs, especially with the upcoming elections?” he added. Highlighting the grave risk posed to the future of the state’s youth, the TDP chief emphasised the urgent need to apprehend and punish those responsible for this menace.
Recent data suggests a change in drug abuse patterns in Andhra Pradesh, with millions of people affected. According to a recent survey, millions are impacted by cannabis, opioids, cocaine, and amphetamine-type stimulants in Andhra Pradesh.
During YS Jagan’s regime, Andhra Pradesh has witnessed a surge in drug-related issues, with drug money infiltrating politics. The state ranks high in drug-related suicides, reflecting the total failure of the government to address the problem. And this massive drug bust happens in a city where YS Jagan is trying to make it the capital of the state. It is embarrassing to the entire state and its brand, if any is left.
