Maharashtra intensifies war on narco-mafia, Fadnavis announces major structural reforms
Mumbai, June 23
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, on Tuesday 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.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the awareness programs in 3,000 campuses - our schools need this badly. But I'm skeptical about the police being the solution when they themselves are accused of collusion. The CM says they'll dismiss corrupt cops, but we've heard that before. Need independent oversight, not just internal action. Also, what about rehab for addicts? Mere punishment won't solve the root cause of addiction.
Good move banning shops near schools! In my locality, there was a 'tiffin center' right outside a college that everyone knew was a front for drug peddling. Police never acted on complaints. Hope this time the 100-meter rule is enforced strictly. Also, the reward scheme for informants could work - people need incentive to come forward, especially if they fear retribution from cartels.
Interesting approach - using organized crime laws for drug trafficking. In the US, we have RICO statutes that similarly target criminal enterprises. The numbers show they're serious: over 1,600 arrests in just 4 months is significant. But the real test will be whether these convictions stick. The NDPS Act has so many procedural loopholes that lawyers exploit; MCOCA might face constitutional challenges too. Let's see how courts respond.
As a mother of two teenagers in Mumbai, I'm terrified and relieved at the same time. Terrified because drugs have become so accessible - my son told me some kids in his class were experimenting. Relieved that finally the government is treating this as a crisis. But please, CM sahab, focus on rehabilitation too! Arresting dealers is important, but what about our kids who are already addicted? They need help, not jail. 🙏
D We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.