Pune Police Seize 1,982 kg of Narcotics Worth ₹358.27 Crore Amid Surge in Drug Trafficking Since January | File Photo
Under the campaign of ‘Nasha Mukt Navi Mumbai’ (Drug-Free Navi Mumbai), Navi Mumbai police had seized narcotics worth Rs 33.27 crore and the arrested a total of 939 individuals in 2024. A total of 654 drug-related cases were registered, marking a significant increase compared to the 475 cases of 2023.
The intensified efforts were initiated by Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe, who directed the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) and local police stations to take strict action on drug peddlers and suppliers in the city. Special surveillance operations were carried out at educational institutions, malls, railway stations, bus stands, and other public spaces to curb the supply and distribution of narcotics. This resulted in an increase of 179 drug-related cases in 2024 as compared to 2023.
“A major focus of the crackdown was the involvement of foreign nationals in drug trafficking. The ANC, led by Senior Police Inspector Sandeep Nigde, conducted multiple raids and arrested 58 foreign nationals, primarily from African countries. Narcotics worth Rs 25.70 crore were seized from these individuals alone,” Assistant Commisisoner of police (crime branch) Ajay Landge said. Besides the raids, the authorities have also been conducting awareness campaigns in schools and colleges to educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse.
Comparing the data of 2023 to 2024, there has been a notable rise in drug seizures, with high-value narcotics such as MD (Mephedrone), cocaine, and LSD among the substances confiscated. The estimated value of MD seizures increased from Rs 9.33 crore to Rs 12.67 crore, while cocaine seizures saw a drastic jump from Rs 1.25 crore to Rs 16.70 crore. The overall number of cases and arrests also surged, reflecting the intensified enforcement measures taken by Navi Mumbai Police.
The ANC reported an increase in its operations, registering 75 cases in 2024 compared to 56 in 2023. The number of arrests by the ANC nearly doubled, with 201 individuals apprehended this year, including 58 foreign nationals. The total value of drugs seized by the ANC alone amounted to Rs 25.13 crore, a significant rise from Rs 15.30 crore in the previous year.
This year Navi Mumbai police launched a helpline -8828 112 112- for individuals to report information related to drugs anonymously. The police have encouraged citizens to use the helpline to report drug-related activities and participate in the campaign.
ANC’s Major Drug Busts
Total Seized Drugs Value (2023): Rs22.97 crore
Total Seized Drugs Value (2024): Rs33.27 crore
