Andhra Pradesh today stands at a dangerous crossroads. On one hand, the Coalition government runs glossy campaigns shouting “Drugs Vaddu Bro” (Say No to Drugs). On the other, ganja, cocaine and synthetic drugs are spreading rapidly across the State. What is shocking the public even more is that names linked to ruling party leaders’ families are repeatedly surfacing in drug-related incidents, while the government remains largely silent. Instead of dismantling supply networks and protecting youth, the Chandrababu Naidu–led government is being accused of watching helplessly as Andhra Pradesh is steadily turning into a hub for narcotics, crime and fear.
“Drugs vaddu bro”: A slogan without sincerity
The Coalition government launched the “Drugs Vaddu Bro” campaign claiming it would build awareness and curb drug abuse. In reality, the campaign has remained confined to banners, photo-ops and hollow announcements. There is no visible crackdown on supply chains. Awareness drives in colleges and universities have faded away. Surveillance is weak. Enforcement is inconsistent. As a result, drugs are now reportedly being delivered to doorsteps. Social media has become a networking tool for peddlers. From cities to small towns, narcotics culture is spreading unchecked. The slogan “Drugs Vaddu Bro” has turned into a cruel joke, as ground reality increasingly screams: “Drugs are everywhere, bro.”
When allegations point towards ruling circles
One of the most disturbing aspects of the unfolding crisis is the repeated emergence of names linked to ruling party leaders’ families and close associates in drug-related cases. The arrest of a TDP leader’s son in a Hyderabad rave party case, allegations of protection to drug networks in Vijayawada, Guntur and Visakhapatnam, and the recent incident where Jammalamadugu MLA Adinarayana Reddy’s son was reportedly caught consuming drugs have shaken public confidence. These incidents have triggered widespread concern that law is not equal for all, and that political influence is shielding key players while only small-time offenders are being exposed.
Rising cases in the constituency of the CM’s son
The growth of drug cases in and around Mangalagiri, the constituency represented by Nara Lokesh, son of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, has become a major talking point. The Mangalagiri–Guntur–Vijayawada belt has witnessed repeated seizures of cocaine, MDMA and ganja. Information that drugs are being routed from Bengaluru and Hyderabad through organised local networks has raised serious alarm. Yet, despite multiple seizures, not a single major kingpin has been brought to justice. The absence of high-profile arrests has strengthened allegations of political protection.
Crimes under intoxication, women under threat
Beyond seizures and statistics, the social consequences are turning terrifying. Gangs operating under the influence of drugs are increasingly involved in violent crimes attacks, intimidation, sexual assaults and home invasions. A recent incident in the heart of Vijayawada, where miscreants allegedly attempted to assault a housewife and threatened her by claiming proximity to a ruling party leader, caused outrage. Such cases underline a growing fear that narcotics are not only destroying youth, but also directly endangering women’s safety and public order. The drug mafia, critics allege, is spreading terror across the State.
Seizures rising, seriousness missing
Only in 2025, multiple cases surfaced across Andhra Pradesh:
- Guntur – Cocaine seizures
- Mangalagiri – Cocaine and ganja
- Visakhapatnam – Large drug hauls
- Vijayawada – MDMA seizures
- Kadapa, Srikalahasti – Ganja cultivation cases
Despite this alarming pattern, the State still lacks a visible, structured, state-wide action plan. There is no dedicated special task force with real teeth. There is no sustained youth outreach. There is no clear strategy to break inter-state supply chains.
Unanswered questions haunting the government
Public anger is increasingly shaped by questions the government has failed to answer:
- Where is the comprehensive action plan to fight narcotics?
- Why have awareness campaigns gone silent?
- How are door-delivery drug networks thriving without police detection?
- Why are investigations slowing down when ruling party-linked names surface?
- Why is there no independent or special task force to combat drug syndicates?
- When will a state-wide youth protection drive begin?
From governance to narcotics governance?
Across Andhra Pradesh, a growing perception is taking root: that the Coalition government has failed disastrously in controlling the drug menace. Citizens accuse the administration of allowing narcotics networks to flourish, weakening policing, and letting political patronage override public safety. The result, they warn, is a climate of fear, where youth are trapped in addiction, women feel unsafe, and organised gangs operate with increasing confidence. Today, “Drugs Vaddu Bro” survives only on government hoardings. On the streets, drugs appear to be winning.
