‘Cycle Tokku Bro, Drugs Vaddu Bro’: Vijayawada rally inspires drug-free movement

In a significant step towards combating drug abuse, the Andhra Pradesh Police’s EAGLE anti-narcotics wing, under the leadership of DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, organised a Fit India Cycle Rally in Vijayawada to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and to promote a healthy lifestyle among the youth. The 10-kilometre rally began at Ajitsingh Nagar police station and ran through Singh Nagar, drawing large participation from students, police officers, fitness groups, and local residents. Participants rallied under the slogan “Drugs Vaddu Bro – Cycle Tokku Bro” (Say No to Drugs, Pedal for Fitness), which quickly became the rallying cry for the event, emphasizing the need for a collective approach to keeping youth away from narcotics.

Addressing the gathering, DGP Gupta highlighted the state government’s intensified crackdown on the drug menace. He revealed that the EAGLE team has identified 869 drug hotspots across Andhra Pradesh and uses surveillance and intelligence to disrupt trafficking networks. Notable efforts include advanced operations such as “Operation Chaitanya,” which utilizes drones to eliminate cannabis cultivation along the Andhra-Odisha border, and “Operation Garuda,” targeting illegal drug and tobacco sales near educational institutions. These initiatives have led to the seizure of assets valued at over ₹14 - 15 crore and the successful prosecution of more than 1,200 offenders in the past year. Authorities noted a decline in illicit cannabis cultivation, but also acknowledged the challenges presented by ongoing drug consumption among young people. A significant recent development was the conviction of a Visakhapatnam student, sentenced to a decade in prison for trafficking 68 kg of cannabis serving as a stern warning to others.

Speaking at the event, IG A. Ravi Krishna and NTR District Commissioner S.V. Rajashekar Babu said that awareness is the most powerful tool in the fight against drugs and called for citizens to report any suspicious activities to police using the toll-free number 1972. The rally, which was part of the state-wide Fit India Movement, also saw support from civil society groups, including the Red Cross and Rotary Club, and reinforced the message that community engagement and collective vigilance are key to eradicating drug abuse. The event concluded with participants taking a pledge to fight substance abuse and cooperate with police in building a healthier, safer society. As Andhra Pradesh doubles down on both law enforcement and community outreach, the state’s anti-narcotics campaign appears to be gaining momentum, driven by youth participation and a broad commitment to a drug-free future.