District Magistrate Kavita S. Mannikere stated on Friday that police and railway authorities in Vijayanagara district have seized 97.8 kg of cannabis during operations conducted over the past ten months. She disclosed these figures while addressing the District Level Narcotics Control Coordination Committee meeting held at her office.
Mannikere detailed that the seized quantity comprised 5.8 kg of cannabis intended for local distribution and 92 kg transported via railway from neighboring states. A total of 27 cases have been registered in connection with these seizures, including nine cases for drug trafficking and 18 for drug consumption. Legal action has already been initiated against 13 accused individuals. She noted that two drug-related cases were registered on October 1, and immediate appropriate measures have been taken in both instances.
Officials directed that continuous awareness programs be organized in schools, colleges, hostels, and crowded public areas to curb drug consumption and transportation across the district. They also emphasized the need for preventive measures to stop farmers from illegally cultivating cannabis or other prohibited crops on agricultural land. Instructions were issued to inform residents of forest-fringe villages about the harmful effects of narcotics and to ensure no prohibited crops are grown in forest regions. Additionally, Mannikere advised that suspicious parcels or products sent through the Post and Other Online Services Department should be reported to the concerned officials.
Superintendent of Police S. Jahanvi, Deputy Commissioner of Police H. Anupama, and Executive District Councilor P. N. Lokesh were present at the meeting.