To dismantle the narcotics network, those arrested in connection with the sale and distribution of drugs will soon be booked under the Act dealing with organised crime and terrorism. The Maharashtra government has announced the amendment of existing rules and the invocation of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) to break the pattern where many arrested offenders involved in the drug trade are found returning to their operations immediately after being released from jail.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday, “The government will amend the rules so that those arrested in drug substance cases can be booked under the stringent MCOCA.” During the question hour session in the state Legislative Council, BJP MLC Parinay Fuke had raised the issue of the worsening drug menace and demanded stern action and speedy trials for those arrested in such cases.

Replying to a slew of queries, including those mentioned by Fuke, Fadnavis claimed that the earlier task force specially designed for tackling drug cases was at the district level. “Now, at the level of every police station, the task force is working to curb the drug menace. One police officer and subordinate staff are separately deployed for this task force,” the CM replied.