25 February,2024 11:21 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Devendra Fadnavis/ File Photo
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised the Pune Police for their effective crackdown on the drug nexus in the city and announced a Rs 25 lakh incentive for the police team participating in the operation.
On Saturday, Fadnavis paid a visit to the Pune Police Commissioner's office to congratulate the crime branch and anti-narcotics team on the successful drug seizure. Following raids at different locations, the Pune police confiscated approximately 1,800 kilogrammes of mephedrone, valued at Rs 3,600 crore in the international market, reported an ANI report.
According to the report, during his visit, Fadnavis lauded the Pune Police for their proactive efforts to combat the city's drug problem. He emphasised the gravity of the operation, calling it one of the largest narcotics crackdowns in recent memory.
"I want to congratulate the Pune Police for taking major action against drugs in the city. I feel this is the biggest crackdown on drugs in recent times. Approximately 3,600 crores worth of MD drugs were recovered and seized by the Pune police during this crackdown. We have been working to make Maharashtra drug-free for the last few months, and at the national level, under the leadership of Home Minister Amit Shah, a drug-free campaign to make India drug-free is also going on," Fadnavis said.
Fadnavis expressed concern about the harmful effects of drugs on youth and emphasised the state government's zero-tolerance approach to narcotics. He emphasised the need to keep such substances from reaching end consumers, citing the potential harm they could do, the ANI report added.
"We have a zero-tolerance policy against drugs because it destroys youth and can do more damage than a missile or bomb. What happened in Pune is an eye-opener. Just imagine if this much drug that was recovered had reached the end-user. How could it have damaged youth," the Deputy CM said.
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According to the report, recognising Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar's leadership in the operation, Fadnavis commended all team members and emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to thoroughly eliminate drug networks. Furthermore, Fadnavis mentioned ongoing activities at the state and national levels to make Maharashtra and India drug-free, demonstrating the government's commitment to effectively combating this issue.
Fadnavis added, "This was a major action led by Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar. I would like to appreciate all the team members who were involved in this action, but we can't stop here. We have to go ahead and find every linkage, be it small or big, and track down all the routes and people involved in it."
