Pune Police Book 210 Youths for Drug Consumption, Encourage De-Addiction Instead of Jail

Pune, 6th August 2026: Pune City Police have registered cases against 210 young individuals over the past month for allegedly possessing and consuming narcotic substances such as marijuana and mephedrone in small quantities. Officials said the cases involve non-commercial quantities of drugs, and legal proceedings are being initiated while efforts are also being made to steer the accused towards rehabilitation.

According to the Pune Police Crime Branch, chargesheets are being filed in all the cases. At the same time, the police are counselling the accused and encouraging them to undergo treatment for substance abuse.

Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said the action was taken against youngsters found using drugs on roads and in various parts of the city. He added that the objective is not only to enforce the law but also to help those struggling with addiction rebuild their lives.

In one such case, a youth arrested by the Nanded City Police in June admitted before the court to consuming narcotic substances. Instead of imposing a prison sentence, the court directed him to undergo treatment at a de-addiction centre. Similar action has been taken in cases registered at several police stations across Pune.

Police officials said that after chargesheets are submitted, courts examine the available evidence and interact with the accused before deciding the next course of action. Many of the youngsters have opted for de-addiction programmes over imprisonment.

The Pune Police said the rehabilitation-focused approach is aimed at preventing young offenders from falling deeper into drug abuse while ensuring legal action is taken under the provisions of the law.