Mumbai, 23 June (HS): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra

Fadnavis announced on Tuesday that policemen implicated in drug-related

offenses had been sacked, not simply suspended, and that the government has

escalated its campaign on the drugs issue. Responding to a question during

Question Hour in the legislative assembly, Fadnavis stated that the state

government is bolstering its anti-drug apparatus and expanding specific units

to combat the rising danger. He stated that police officers who were proven to

be involved in drug-related offenses had been sacked rather than suspended.

“In the fight against drugs, 15 departments of the state

government are working collectively under the ‘Whole of Government’ approach. The

best police officers will be assigned for a decisive war against drugs. Rules

have been established regarding the glorification of drugs in films and

complaints can be filed against such content. The Union Government has launched

a nationwide anti-drug campaign with all States and directed them to adopt a

whole-of-government approach, with 15 State Government departments working in

coordination. A rehabilitation centre will be set up to help youth overcome

drug addiction. The anti-drug campaign will be executed effectively. Informants

will be rewarded for providing information, and their identities will remain

confidential,” he added.

The chief minister informed the House that Salim Dola, one of the country's

most powerful drug lords, had been caught and returned to India following the

issuance of a Red Corner Notice against him.

According to evidence accessible to the police, Dola

established MD drug production operations in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh,

Karnataka, and Telangana, producing and selling around 4,000 kilograms of

synthetic medicine. The majority of the network has already been dissolved,

representing a significant victory in the drug war, according to Fadnavis. He

stated that seven anti-drug units are now operating and would be gradually

decentralized and extended around the state. Additional staff is also being

developed for the purpose. The administration is proposing a system of rewards

for police involved in anti-drug operations similar to those used in

anti-corruption and anti-Naxal efforts, Fadnavis told the House.

The greatest officers will have to fight this struggle, and

we are developing a system of incentives to encourage them, he stated. The

chief minister also stated that he personally analyzes narcotics-related issues

on a regular basis. He also established an awareness campaign for around 3,000

schools and institutions to teach kids about the risks of drug misuse and how

to overcome addiction. The government is also developing a way to compensate

informants while preserving their names, he added. Concerned about drug

glorification in films, Fadnavis stated that existing guidelines allow for

action and that complaints may be filed if infractions occur.

He stated that special anti-narcotics squads have been established at each

police station, and efforts are being made to put skilled officers in these

units. The CM stated that the public health and social justice departments will

be in charge of constructing de-addiction centers.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi