Fadnavis said 5,001 cases have been filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and 4,481 persons have been arrested for trafficking, possession and consumption of drugs during this period
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday told the legislative assembly that 28,302 kilograms of drugs valued at Rs 153.25 crore were seized across the state between January and April 2025, reported news agency PTI.
He admitted that despite a ban on gutka and various tobacco products in the state, they continue to be sold at roadside stalls.
In a written reply to a question asked by Kashinath Date (NCP) and others in the Lower House of the state legislature over the issue, Fadnavis said 5,001 cases have been filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and 4,481 persons have been arrested for trafficking, possession and consumption of drugs during this period, reported PTI.
Also, action has been taken against 37,149 persons in connection with the sale, possession and consumption of gutka or other tobacco products from January to April this year, he said.
Anti-Narcotics Cells (ANCs) have been set up at all police establishments in the state, the CM said, reported PTI.
Similarly, Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) as well as a Narco-Coordination Centre have been established, he added.
According to the CM, several steps were being taken to create awareness against drugs.
Hydro ganja proving to be a challenge, says Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on July 3 that 'hydro' ganja is proving to be a big challenge for the government and asserted that the Centre and state have intensified their fight against the drug business, reported news agency PTI.
Replying to a calling attention motion in the legislative council, he also raised concerns over synthetic drugs and said that even terminal cancer patients are being used as drug carriers.
The number of cases has increased because of the government's anti-drug crackdown, he said.
It was found that ports in Gujarat and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), the country's largest container port located in Maharashtra's Raigad district, were used to bring in drugs concealed in cargo consignments, he said, reported PTI.
"Scanners that can detect concealed drugs have been installed in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Randomised checking of shipments from certain countries, where there is a possibility of drug supply, is being done," he said, reported PTI.
Five days ago, two Indonesian nationals were arrested with 21 kg of hydroponic ganja valued at Rs 21.55 crore in Mumbai, he said.
Hydroponic ganja refers to cannabis plants grown without soil. This method gives growers precise control over the plant's environment, which can result in faster growth and higher yields.
(With inputs from PTI)
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