Nagpur: Calling for collective action against drug abuse and trafficking, Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal appealed to citizens to actively participate in the fight against narcotics and support law enforcement efforts to protect the younger generation.

Speaking in the backdrop of ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Saptah’ (Drug-Free India Week) being observed from June 17 to June 26, Dr. Singal said the battle against drugs cannot be won through policing alone and requires active involvement from society.

“We launched Operation Thunder with the objective of preventing youth from falling into drug addiction through effective law enforcement and public participation. The campaign has received encouraging support from citizens, including senior citizens. Along with dismantling the drug supply chain, Nagpur Police is focusing on awareness among youth. Society must actively participate and support police efforts in this anti-drug movement,” he said.

Nagpur Police Intensify Anti-Drug Drive Ahead of International Day Against Drug Abuse

Every year, June 26 is observed as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. As part of the nationwide campaign themed ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan – Identity of a Developed India’, awareness and enforcement activities are being intensified across the country.

Dr. Singal noted that as Nagpur continues to expand and develop, anti-social elements are also attempting to use the city for drug trafficking and illegal narcotics trade. He said strict action against such elements will continue and urged parents, families and society at large to remain vigilant and monitor young people responsibly.

‘Zero Tolerance’ Policy Against Drugs; 1,000 NDPS Cases Registered in Two Years

The Police Commissioner said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the police department to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics and undertake large-scale action.

Nagpur Police launched Operation Thunder in March 2024, and in more than two years, the campaign has delivered significant results.

According to official data:

• 1,000 cases registered under the NDPS Act
• ₹21.94 crore worth of narcotic substances seized
• 1,438 accused arrested

Ganja and MD (Mephedrone) Account for Highest Drug Seizures in Nagpur

Among the seized narcotics, ganja and MD (Mephedrone) accounted for the largest share.

Ganja seizures:

• 185 cases registered
• Around 1,499 kg of ganja seized
• Estimated value: ₹3.36 crore
• 271 accused arrested

MD (Mephedrone) seizures:

• 189 cases registered
• 17.690 kg MD seized
• Estimated value exceeding ₹11 crore
• 343 accused arrested

Police have also taken action against trafficking of Doda, opium, charas, brown sugar and LSD.

Additionally, police action was taken against 719 drug users during this period, with enforcement efforts relying heavily on intelligence gathering and targeted operations.

Rehabilitation and ‘Operation U-Turn’ to Tackle Drug Consumption

Dr. Singal said instructions have been issued to ensure that individuals addicted to narcotics are rehabilitated through de-addiction and rehabilitation centres.

To curb drug consumption, Nagpur Police is also running ‘Operation U-Turn’, under which intensive checking drives are being conducted using advanced drug detector meters.

Special inspections are being carried out outside pubs, bars and crowded public places, and action is being taken against individuals found consuming narcotic substances.

Awareness Campaigns Through ‘Police Didi’ and ‘Police Kaka’

Alongside enforcement, Nagpur Police is placing strong emphasis on public awareness, especially among young people.

Through the ‘Police Didi’ and ‘Police Kaka’ initiatives, awareness drives are being conducted in:

• Schools
• Colleges
• Coaching classes
• Residential localities through police stations

Citizens are being educated about:

• Harmful effects of drug abuse
• Legal consequences of narcotics offences
• Available rehabilitation facilities

Authorities are also encouraging addicts to seek treatment and reintegrate into society.

Police have activated mechanisms to gather public information regarding drug sales, consumption spots, peddlers and suspicious activities, enabling swift action.

The campaign is also spreading the message of “Vyasanmukt Nagpur” (Addiction-Free Nagpur).

Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal appealed to citizens to immediately report any information related to drug sale, storage, transportation or consumption and become active participants in the anti-drug campaign.