16 July,2026 10:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis called for stricter implementation of the NDPS Act. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed authorities to dismantle the illegal economy linked to narcotics and strengthen efforts to make the state drug-free, reported the PTI.
Chairing a review meeting on the Strategy and Action Plan for a Drug-Free Maharashtra in Mumbai on Thursday, CM Fadnavis said all government departments must work together to stop the production, supply, sale and distribution of both natural and synthetic drugs.
Figures presented during the meeting showed that Maharashtra Police seized 5.7 tonnes of mephedrone worth Rs 6,550 crore between 2021 and 2025.
During the same period, authorities also confiscated:
- 134 kg of heroin worth Rs 484.75 crore
- 109.7 tonnes of ganja worth Rs 186.44 crore
- 759 kg of charas worth Rs 14.67 crore
- 134 kg of cocaine worth Rs 14.60 crore
Officials informed the meeting that, in 2025 alone, police registered 17,611 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, according to the PTI.
Police seized 56,206 kg of narcotic substances valued at around Rs 1,340 crore and arrested 15,994 people, including 72 foreign nationals.
Fadnavis suggested introducing lessons on the dangers of drug abuse for students in Classes VII to X to increase awareness from an early age.
He also asked schools and colleges to adopt drug-free campus guidelines and organise regular awareness programmes on substance abuse.
The Chief Minister directed the Medical Education Department, Public Health Department and Anti-Narcotics Cell to work with voluntary organisations to establish a statewide network of de-addiction centres, as per the PTI.
He also instructed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to set up multidisciplinary de-addiction centres in Mumbai and asked government hospitals to reserve beds for addiction treatment.
Fadnavis called for stricter implementation of the NDPS Act and proposed setting up fast-track courts to speed up drug-related cases.
He also recommended specialised training for government prosecutors to improve conviction rates.
Police have been instructed to identify drug peddlers, trace supply chains and intensify action against organised drug syndicates.
"Patrolling should be increased in identified drug hotspots. No person involved in narcotics trafficking will be spared," the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister announced plans to introduce reward schemes for citizens who provide reliable information leading to major drug seizures.
Police officers and personnel who perform exceptionally in narcotics investigations will also be recognised. Fadnavis proposed advance salary increments for outstanding officers, permission for investigating officers to travel by air when operationally necessary, and a separate awards programme for exceptional service.
