Hyderabad:
With over 350 drug rackets unearthed till October this year that saw arrest of as many as 813 accused, Andhra Pradesh police will intensify its campaign against drug traffickers by launching raids.
Police have drawn up short and long term plans to control drug menace and say their proposed action will see arrest of more number of drug racketeers, users and suppliers.
With the arrest of some Tollywood actors on charge of consumption of cocaine in the past, police said they will also be keeping a track on such film personalities.
"Apart from keeping a close watch on pubs, resorts and other points of drug addicts ahead of the New Year, police have stepped up their crackdown by deploying more decoy teams in Hyderabad to catch hold of drug traffickers, users and peddlers red-handed," said CID Additional Director General of Police T Krishna Prasad.
Police will also be using dog squads to check vehicles and buildings in connection with its drive. Besides, check posts will be set up and surprise raids will be conducted under the Hyderabad and Cyberabad Police Commissionerate limits, he said.
The next step to deal with narcotics will be by carrying out series of more and specific raids by the district Superintendents of Police across the state, Mr Prasad explained.
"These measures will see more arrests and seizures which will ultimately help in controlling the drug menace," the top CID officer said, adding that as part of the proposed drive, police will focus more against narcotics while they were till now preoccupied with law and order duty.