Narcotics Worth Rs 14.55 Crore Seized In Pune District Till October This Year
Pune, 28th October 2023: In a joint effort, the Pune City Police Commissionerate, Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate, Pune Rural Police, and Pune Government Railway Police have successfully seized narcotics worth a staggering Rs 14.55 crores till October 2023. This operation has led to the arrest of a total of 504 individuals involved in illegal drug activities.
Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh, Collector, emphasized the commitment of the District Level Narcotics Control Center Committee in rescuing citizens from the narcotics trap. “Citizens are encouraged to report any information related to illegal drug smuggling, sale, or cultivation to the nearest police station or committee member’s office”, he appealed.
To combat the growing menace of narcotic drugs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has directed the establishment of a District Level Anti-Narcotics Central Committee. Chaired by the District Collector, this committee includes members such as the Superintendent of Police Pune Rural, Deputy Conservator of Forests, District Health Officer, Education Officer (Secondary), Assistant Commissioner of Social Welfare, District Superintendent of Agriculture, Commissioner of Central Goods and Services Tax Department, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Joint Commissioner of Food and Drug Administration Department, Superintendent of Central Narcotics Control Bureau, Pune, and Pimpri Chinchwad City Prevention Cell Officers, totaling 13 members. The committee conducts monthly meetings under the guidance of the Collector.
The committee’s primary objective is to take effective measures against the rising use of narcotic drugs in the district and address the narcotic drug problem efficiently. Collaborating with the police department, the committee has taken significant action against illegal smuggling, cultivation, use, sale, and consumption of narcotic drugs.
To prevent the illicit cultivation of narcotic plants in forest and agricultural areas, joint actions are taken by the forest department, agriculture department, and revenue department. Public awareness campaigns are also underway to educate farmers about the prohibition on cultivating narcotic plants. The School Education Department and District Surgeon are actively involved in creating awareness in schools and colleges regarding the health effects and financial losses associated with drug consumption. Coordinators have been appointed in educational institutions to further this initiative.
Various events, including marathons, street plays, rallies, and lectures, were organized across the district on World Anti-Drug Day. The Social Welfare Department conducts periodic inspections of de-addiction and rehabilitation centers, offering assistance to individuals facing drug-related issues. The Food and Drug Administration Department is diligently inspecting drug manufacturing companies.
