Special drive aims at choking supply lines during the festive period, checks underway at over 30 sensitive locations; 1372 drug peddlers arrested so far this year
Police personnel during naka bandi. FILE PIC/ANURAG AHIRE
With New Year’s Eve approaching, the police have launched special and surprise drives to closely monitor habitual drug offenders across the city. Officials said 3015 history-sheeters booked under the NDPS Act are being subjected to regular checks as part of special drives to prevent drug sales and distribution during December 31 celebrations.
Mumbai Police have seized drugs worth nearly Rs 700 crore in 2025 so far, marking the highest-ever annual drug haul recorded in the city, officials said. The figure represents a sharp rise from Rs 512 crore worth of drugs seized in 2024, underscoring the scale of narcotics operations and intensified enforcement over the past year.
Special drives
Police said the intensified crackdown is aimed at choking supply lines during the festive period, which is traditionally associated with a spike in drug consumption and peddling. During 2025, raids were conducted at multiple locations, including Karjat, Pelhar (Nalasopara), Vasai and Satara, and Mysuru in Karnataka, leading to the busting of five mephedrone (MD) factories.
The biggest seizure involved 270 kg of MD, valued at approximately Rs 530 crore, making it the largest single-category recovery this year. Police also seized cocaine worth Rs 84 crore, ganja (cannabis) valued at Rs 44 crore, and charas (hashish) worth Rs 19 crore, DCP (ANC) Navnath Dhavale informed. In terms of enforcement, 1372 drug peddlers have been arrested this year, while over 6200 individuals have faced action in drug consumption-related cases.
Sensitive locations
Officials said checks are underway at more than 30 sensitive locations, including nightlife hubs, coastal belts, highways, and party hotspots. Surveillance has been stepped up at clubs, rave-prone areas and party venues, while intelligence units are closely tracking drug supply chains.
“The focus is to ensure that drugs do not reach party circuits and to maintain strict enforcement during the New Year celebrations,” a senior police officer said, adding that the special drives will continue in the coming days.
Bandobast at Gateway
Keeping in view the large crowds expected on New Year’s Eve at the Gateway of India and city beaches, Mumbai Police will make special security arrangements, with the deployment of local police and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), officials said.
To prevent incidents of harassment and molestation, Nirbhaya squads will be stationed at these locations. Officials said more than 300 police personnel will be stationed at these locations to manage crowds and maintain law and order during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
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