Pune Drug Threat: Keeping Youth Away From Drugs a Major Challenge, Says Add SP Himmat Jadhav

Pune, 1st October 2026: Keeping the younger generation away from drug abuse has emerged as a major challenge, particularly with synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs becoming increasingly accessible, said Additional Superintendent of Police (Anti-Narcotics Task Force) Himmat Jadhav. He stressed the need for greater participation of the security management sector, along with families, teachers and communities, to address the growing threat.

Add SP Jadhav was speaking at the PSP-ASIS Connect Conclave, organised jointly by Pune Security Professionals (PSP) and ASIS International, Pune Chapter, at Hotel Lemon Tree near Pune railway station. The session focused on creating a drug-free and safe Pune.

“Drug trafficking and consumption have increased, while different types of synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs are becoming easily available. Keeping young people away from addiction and preventing the supply of these substances are major challenges,” Jadhav said.

He said the 15-35 age group remains particularly vulnerable and called for coordinated efforts involving families, friends and teachers. “If we fail to guide the coming generation properly, their future could become difficult. Controlling the supply network is also a major challenge for the police,” he said.

Jadhav said the Maharashtra Anti-Narcotics Task Force was established in 2024 and various initiatives have since been undertaken under campaigns such as ‘Say No to Drugs’ and ‘Drug-Free Maharashtra’. He also acknowledged the contribution of PSP in strengthening the security management ecosystem in Pune.

Established in 2014, Pune Security Professionals (PSP) brings together security, risk-management and threat-assessment professionals from the corporate, industrial and technology sectors. Its network includes professionals from banking and financial institutions, IT and IT-enabled services, manufacturing, hospitality and educational institutions, besides representatives of law-enforcement agencies.

PSP founder Mangesh Kate said the forum’s primary objective was to strengthen public-private partnerships in security. Such collaboration enables corporate security teams and law-enforcement agencies to identify vulnerabilities, respond to potential threats, and create a safer environment for businesses and the wider community.

Sumit Shah said the forum provides a platform for security professionals to discuss emerging threats, geopolitical developments affecting security operations, challenges related to security guards, access-control systems, emergency preparedness, risk mitigation and business continuity. The forum also promotes the use of technology and modern security equipment to strengthen security systems.

The conclave brought together security agencies, technology and security-equipment providers, corporate representatives, police and fire-service personnel. PSP founders Mangesh Kate and Sunil Beedlam, Lloyds Das, Jyoti Meena, Shekhar Mehta, Sumit Shah and Santosh Kamble, along with ASIS representatives Ambrish Purohit, Rakesh Kherwa and Sameer Kumar Jha, were present.

Firefighters honoured for life-saving efforts
Fire and rescue personnel who had played a significant role in saving lives and responding to emergencies were felicitated during the event. Prabhakar Umaratkar, Kishor Kalbhar, Bhausaheb Chormale, Navnath Jedge, Vishal Gaikwad, Maruti Devkule, Arjun Yadav and Suresh Pawar were honoured. Sunil Godse and Sunny Jathan, who provide security solutions to the corporate and hospitality sectors, were also felicitated. Mrunalini Chaturvedi conducted the programme, while Sunil Beedlam proposed the vote of thanks.