IPS Vakul Jindal is a 2016 Batch officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre and is currently posted as Superintendent of Police in Vizianagaram, AP.His Mission for the district focuses on building a drug-free society,dismantle trafficking networks from the roots,and ensure fast track justice in crimes against women.

Recognizing the growing drug problem among youth, especially college students,he shared “Drugs are a major focus of our work. College students are the most vulnerable, and many are unaware of the consequences and long-term impact of addiction”.

To combat this an anti-drug initiative named Sankalpam- Fight Against Drugs was started. This well-structured,workshop-based awareness campaign covers all schools and colleges in the district.

Meticulously designed Sankalpam boasts high-quality material,including standardized presentations, brochures explaining the consequences of drug use and ways to overcome addiction,and professionally made videos that could connect with students more effectively. “After each workshop, we conducted quizzes to ensure that students absorbed the message.” He added

Additionally to create lasting visibility, each institution displayed a large hoarding about the campaign and was awarded a certificate recognizing them as a Drugs Aware Institute. 

Under Jindal’s leadership about 80,000 students across 700 schools and colleges in the district were covered, along with another 2 lakh people in rural areas.“We also placed anonymous drop boxes in institutions so that anyone with information about drugs could report it discreetly. This measure has led to valuable inputs and timely action.”He shared 

The initiative received immense community support and seeing its impact the DIG also expanded the initiative into five neighbouring districts in the Visakhapatnam range,setting a testament that how a well-planned and executed initiative can build an aware and informed society.

Secondly alongside awareness the enforcement has been strengthened

·      Increased Cases: NDPS cases rose 2.5 times,arrests 4 times compared to previous years.

·      Full Chain Tracking: Instead of only foot soldiers,the entire supply chain cultivators, transporters, sellers, and buyers were booked.

·      Special Teams:Anti-ganja squads cleared identified hotspots and placed repeat offenders under surveillance.

·      Crackdown on Kingpins:Through financial investigations, four major figures were identified -arrested and ₹5 crore of their assets frozen, creating strong deterrence. Habitual offenders were also placed under preventive detention, earning strong support from the affected community.

·      Night Rounds:Special patrols after 11 p.m. curbed nuisance and petty crimes by intoxicated groups.

Beyond drugs, Jindal’s focus is also on crimes against women.Prioritising swift investigation and trial, since his posting convictions were secured in cases within just six months of the crime, with sentences ranging from 20 to 25 years.“This speed has instilled fear among offenders, unlike when investigations are dragged on for years, and accused persons roam free on bail.” He quoted