Visakhapatnam Central Jail has become the most overcrowded correctional facility in Andhra Pradesh, with a growing number of inmates linked to ganja smuggling operations from North Andhra districts. Several prison blocks are now packed with individuals arrested for trafficking illegal cannabis, exposing serious challenges in jail infrastructure and management.

Authorities report that a majority of recent arrests are tied to inter-state smuggling routes passing through Visakhapatnam, with young offenders, repeat smugglers, and organized rackets dominating the inmate population. The situation has raised concerns about the lack of rehabilitation resources, limited space, and rising security risks within the facility.

 

The need for judicial reforms, increased anti-drug surveillance, and improved prison infrastructure is now more urgent than ever to handle the overwhelming inflow of such cases.