Pune Police Combine Anti-Drug Action With Rehabilitation; Offer De-Addiction Treatment to 12 Drug Addicts

Pune, 20th October 2026: In a rehabilitation-focused approach to tackling drug abuse, Pune city police’s Zone III have facilitated de-addiction treatment for 12 people under Section 64A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Courts have discharged nine of them, while three cases remain pending.

The initiative, undertaken by Warje, Narhe, Uttamnagar and Nanded City police stations under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III) Dr Sagar Kawade, aims to combine strict action against drug traffickers with treatment and rehabilitation for eligible drug users.

Under Section 64A of the NDPS Act, eligible individuals involved in specified offences relating to drug consumption or possession of small quantities may receive immunity from prosecution, subject to statutory conditions, if they voluntarily undergo treatment at a government-recognised de-addiction centre.

As part of the initiative, all 12 individuals were sent to the Aatmanirbhar Social Foundation’s de-addiction centre in Kirkatwadi. They have completed a month-long treatment programme. Following the completion of treatment, courts discharged nine individuals, while proceedings in the remaining three cases are pending.

Of the three individuals referred by Warje police, one was discharged and two cases remain pending. Narhe police referred three individuals, of whom two were discharged and one case is pending. All three individuals referred by Uttamnagar police and all three referred by Nanded City police were discharged by the courts.

Police said drug addiction was not merely a law-and-order issue but also a serious health and social concern affecting individuals and their families, particularly young people.

The Zone III initiative follows a dual approach of taking strict legal action against those involved in the supply, sale and distribution of narcotics while providing eligible drug users with opportunities for treatment, counselling and rehabilitation.

Police said action against drug traffickers would continue, while those eligible for relief under the law would be encouraged to undergo treatment and reintegrate into society.

“Strict legal action against drug sellers and an opportunity for treatment and rehabilitation for drug users is our approach. Punitive action alone is not enough to create a drug-free society; rehabilitation is equally important,” DCP Dr Sagar Kawade said.