Eagle Challenge Gets First Breakthrough: Three Arrested With Ganja in Vijayawada

The ‘Eagle Challenge’ launched by Vijayawada police to curb the sale and transportation of ganja has yielded its first result. Acting on information provided by a confidential source, the Two Town police conducted a raid in Dalavayi Vari Veedhi in Islampet after verifying a tip-off that ganja had allegedly been brought from Rayagada and was being sold in the area. Three people, including an auto driver, were arrested and 1.36 kg of ganja, reportedly worth around ₹15,000, was seized. DCP Gunnan Ramakrishna announced the details on Thursday and said the initiative aims to make the district free of ganja.

According to the police, the accused—Katta Prasad (20), an auto driver from Ramarajyanagar, along with his associates S.K. Asgar of Islampet and S.K. Mohammed Ibrahim Khaleel (20) of New Rajarajeshwaripeta—allegedly travelled to Rayagada and brought two kilograms of ganja after spending ₹25,000. Police said about 640 grams had been consumed, while the remaining 1.36 kg was allegedly being prepared for sale when the Eagle Team, led by Two Town CI Kondala Rao, conducted the raid. The police said their investigation indicated that the accused were procuring ganja from Rayagada and selling it in the city. The person who provided the information was given a ₹5,000 cash reward, and police reiterated that the identities of informants would be kept confidential.