EAGLE Identifies 822 Students In Drug Cases In 2024, Holds Hyderabad Awareness Event

On the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment organised a large anti-drug awareness programme at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad. The event was held to promote the government's initiative of achieving a 'Drug-Free Telangana'.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, DGP C.V. Anand, and EAGLE Director Sandeep Shandilya. Other notable attendees included Principal Secretary Anita Ramachandran, Cyberabad Police Commissioner Dr. M. Ramesh, actors Ram Pothineni and Meenakshi Chaudhary, and international gymnast Aruna Budda Reddy, alongside police officers and students.

Speaking at the programme, Deputy Chief Minister Vikramarka stated that the state government, under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, has adopted a comprehensive strategy to eliminate drugs through strict enforcement and public awareness. He highlighted that the creation of EAGLE reflects the government's commitment to dismantling drug networks and protecting the state's youth.

Vikramarka emphasised that laws alone cannot eliminate drug abuse unless there is a shift in societal attitudes. He called upon parents, teachers, educational institutions, public representatives, and celebrities to work together. He also suggested that film personalities create anti-drug video messages to positively influence young people.

During the event, EAGLE Director Sandeep Shandilya shared that the agency has been actively conducting awareness campaigns across the state. He revealed that 822 students were identified in drug-related cases in 2024, with around 600 of them undergoing counselling. Shandilya stressed that awareness, counselling, and rehabilitation are just as important as strict law enforcement in eliminating drug abuse.

Actors Ram Pothineni and Meenakshi Chaudhary, along with gymnast Aruna Budda Reddy, urged the young audience to stay away from drugs. They encouraged the students to focus on discipline, fitness, and hard work instead.

The awareness programme concluded with the distribution of prizes to the winners of various anti-drug awareness competitions. All participants also took a collective pledge to build a healthy, drug-free Telangana.