Maharashtra Govt to Launch Special Drive Against Drugs; CM Fadnavis Proposes Legal Reforms, Targeted Action in Slums

Mumbai : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday announced a comprehensive crackdown on drug trafficking and consumption in the state, including legal reforms and a special narcotics drive targeting high-risk areas.
Responding to a calling attention motion by MLA Vilas Bhumre in the Assembly, CM Fadnavis revealed that the government is considering lowering the juvenile age in drug-related cases and formulating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for dealing with foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, involved in drug crimes.
Bhumre raised alarms over the easy availability of drugs like MD, ketamine, and synthetic substances in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Echoing similar concerns, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai said areas like Behrampada, Bharat Nagar, Golibar, and Naupada in Bandra East had turned into drug peddling hubs, where police often hesitate to intervene.
CM Fadnavis assured the House that special action will be taken in the affected slum areas and emphasized coordination with the Central Government to expedite the deportation of foreign nationals involved in drug trafficking.
“In minor cases, the Centre has indicated the possibility of dropping lesser charges to enable swift deportation,” Fadnavis said, underlining the urgency of tackling the drug menace with a multi-pronged strategy.