EAGLE, police launch mega cycling expedition against drugs in Tirupati

Tirupati: The Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE), in coordination with the Tirupati district police, launched a mega cycling expedition titled "Cycle Yatra – Dandi March 2.0" from Tirupati to Visakhapatnam on Monday, aiming for a drug-free Andhra Pradesh.At the inaugural event held at SV Auditorium, IG Ake Ravi Krishna, who joined virtually, stressed the importance of public participation in building a drug-free society."Inspired by the historic Dandi March, this modern ‘2.0' version is a cycling relay from Tirupati to Visakhapatnam. It is part of the state govt's mission to promote the slogan ‘Drugs Vaddu Bro' (Say No to Drugs), safeguarding the future of the younger generation," he said.District collector Dr S Venkateshwar noted that narcotics have devastated many nations and highlighted the formation of the elite EAGLE team under senior IPS officers to curb cultivation and supply, especially in forest fringe areas.SP L Subbarayudu warned that drugs begin as a small habit but lead to ruin and legal peril. He urged citizens to report illegal activities via the toll-free number 1972 or district police WhatsApp, assuring confidentiality.Thousands of students from universities and colleges, along with police personnel, joined the cycling relay, pedalling from Tirupati to mark the statewide launch.