‘Eagle Challenge’: ₹5,000 Reward For Information On Ganja Dealers In Vijayawada

Vijayawada city police have launched an innovative public-participation initiative, ‘Eagle Challenge’, to intensify the fight against the illegal transportation, sale and consumption of ganja in the city.

Under the programme, residents who provide credible information leading to the identification of people involved in ganja transportation or sales will receive a cash reward of ₹5,000. Those who help police identify ganja consumers will be rewarded with ₹1,500.

The initiative was formally launched on Sunday at St. Anne’s School in Ajit Singh Nagar by Vijayawada Police Commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu and Eagle IG A.K. Ravikrishna. The officers outlined the measures being taken to strengthen enforcement and prevent the spread of ganja in the city.

Commissioner Rajasekhar Babu said police had invoked the PIT NDPS Act against 32 most-wanted individuals allegedly involved in the transportation and sale of ganja in Vijayawada. The move is part of efforts to target repeat offenders and disrupt the supply network.

Officials said 1,287 people linked to ganja-related cases were recently subjected to medical tests across the NTR Commissionerate. In Ajit Singh Nagar alone, 469 people were tested, of whom 128 tested positive for ganja use, highlighting the scale of the challenge faced by law enforcement agencies.

Eagle IG A.K. Ravikrishna said public cooperation would be crucial to making the anti-ganja campaign effective. He said Eagle Clubs are being established in 40,000 educational institutions across Andhra Pradesh to create awareness among students and encourage communities to participate in prevention efforts.

Police are also increasing surveillance at 849 identified ganja hotspots across the state and taking targeted measures to disrupt transportation and sales.

Authorities assured the public that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential. Citizens can share information by calling 112 or 1972, or by contacting 7328909090.

The police hope the reward-based initiative will encourage greater community participation and help authorities identify both the supply chains and local consumption networks driving the illegal ganja trade.