During a discussion on the subject, initiated in the Council through a calling-attention notice, Fadnavis said, “Investigations become difficult when those arrested in drug cases are people facing severe health issues”
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File pic/Atul Kamble
The home department has come across a new pattern where drug syndicates are now using third-stage cancer patients as couriers, exploiting their terminal illness and financial desperation to smuggle narcotics.
Speaking in the state Legislative Council on Thursday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed concern about this situation, but exhibited confidence in dealing with it.
“The police have come across a new pattern in drug cases. Third-stage cancer patients in need of money are lured into the drug trade,” Fadnavis said.
During a discussion on the subject, initiated in the Council through a calling-attention notice, Fadnavis said, “Investigations become difficult when those arrested in drug cases are people facing severe health issues.”
However, Fadnavis, who heads the home department, claimed that every day new methods were evolving, but the government was ready to deal with emerging changes.
Participating in the discussion, former Minister of State for Home (MoS Home) and senior Congress leader Satej Patil raised concern over remarks made by a Punjab minister. “The health minister of Punjab mentioned that drugs are being trafficked from Gujarat and Maharashtra. If it's true, it is serious,” Patil said.
During the discussion, the former MoS Home mentioned that in 2024 alone, drugs worth Rs 4000 crore had been seized in Maharashtra, with over 15,000 cases registered and 14,000 individuals booked. “This is just the tip of the iceberg. Imagine the quantity of drugs that may be going undetected,” the Congress MLC added, and suggested that narcotics-related issues be prioritised in special investigation team (SIT) briefings to the chief minister.
Besides Patil, many other Council members participated in the debate and urged the government to enhance its drive against the drug substances by involving other government departments like power supply, the pollution control board, food and drug administration.
Replying to the suggestions, Fadnavis said, “Already, other departments like the pollution control board are roped in, as defunct industries are being used to make drugs. Still to improve action, instructions for improving coordination will be given to all the departments concerned.”
Earlier, on Wednesday, in the Council, Fadnavis had announced the amendment of existing rules, so that stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act sections can be applied against those booked in connection with drug cases.
Rs 4000cr
Value of drugs seized in state in 2024
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