Maharashtra expands anti-drug crackdown, Fadnavis unveils reforms to target narco networks

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, on June 23 unveiled a multi-pronged institutional overhaul aimed at dismantling the financial and operational networks of the state's narco-mafia, reiterating the government's zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking.

During Question Hour in the state Assembly, Fadnavis cited the recent arrest of transnational drug lord Mohammad Salim Dola, alias Salim Ismail Dola, to defend the state's decision to invoke the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against narcotics syndicates.

Responding to Opposition criticism over the use of an anti-organised crime law in drug-related cases, the Chief Minister argued that provisions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act often allow cartel leaders to exploit legal loopholes, secure bail, and continue operations through proxies.

"Drug trafficking is no longer a localised petty crime or simple possession case; it is a highly organised, heavily structured financial syndicate that behaves exactly like an underworld mafia," Fadnavis said.

The Chief Minister said the fight against narcotics requires a coordinated approach involving multiple departments rather than isolated interventions. He announced that specialised anti-drug cells and expanded testing facilities would be integrated into police stations across both urban and rural areas.

He further said municipal corporations and local police have been directed to remove unauthorised shops, kiosks and illegal structures within a 100-metre radius of schools and colleges.

While the Cyber Department will monitor encrypted messaging platforms and social media channels used for drug distribution, the Education and Social Justice Departments will conduct awareness programmes across 3,000 campuses.

To encourage public participation, the government has launched a reward scheme for citizens providing credible information on drug networks, with assurances of complete anonymity for informants.

Fadnavis also disclosed enforcement figures from January to April 2026. During the period, 1,142 cases involving commercial quantities of narcotics were registered, leading to the arrest of 1,626 accused persons. Drugs worth Rs 254.53 crore were seized, while 3,199 cases related to drug consumption were also registered.

Highlighting the scale of ongoing operations, he said all seven units of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) are functioning at full capacity across Maharashtra. The CM added that in 2025, the ANTF and local police destroyed seized narcotics valued at Rs 523.17 crore.

The Opposition, however, alleged that sections of the police force were colluding with drug peddlers. Jayant Patil of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) claimed that extortion and bribery by some police personnel were helping shield drug syndicates.

He also raised concerns over online drug trafficking and called for Maharashtra Police teams to be deployed at major inter-state ports where narcotics consignments arrive.

Jitendra Awhad of the NCP (SP) alleged that large-scale drug operations could not function without institutional support, while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sunil Prabhu said drug peddling had spread to local neighbourhoods despite repeated complaints from residents.

Defending the police force while acknowledging the need for accountability, Fadnavis said strict action was being taken against errant cops.

"Any police officer or constable found guilty of colluding with drug traffickers is being dismissed from service. We have zero tolerance for black sheep within the department," he said.

Addressing allegations of police extortion and cartel links, the Chief Minister confirmed that personnel found facilitating or ignoring drug trafficking activities would face dismissal from service rather than suspension.

He also announced the formation of a high-level committee to spearhead the "Drug-Free Mumbai" campaign and oversee awareness initiatives across the city.

"Except for the headline, no changes have been made to the story, as it has been sourced from IANS."