Illegal Sale Of Sedative Drugs for Intoxication In Pune; Supply Links To Other States, Minister Reveals
Illegal Sale Of Sedative Drugs for Intoxication In Pune; Supply Links To Other States, Minister Reveals
Pune, March 5, 2026: Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam has revealed that sedative medicines are being illegally sold in Pune for the purpose of intoxication, raising serious concerns about drug misuse among youth.
The disclosure was made during the Question Hour in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, where the minister responded to a query raised by MLA Chitra Wagh and a supplementary question by MLA Abhijit Wanjari.
Kadam informed the House that certain sedative medicines are being distributed and consumed without a valid licence or a doctor’s prescription. Authorities have registered cases against individuals involved in the illegal storage and sale of such drugs.
According to the minister, five individuals have been named as accused in connection with the case. Of them, two have been arrested, while efforts are underway to trace the remaining three suspects. A chargesheet has already been filed in court against all five accused.
Investigations revealed that the seized medicines are genuine pharmaceutical products but were not purchased from any local medical stores in Pune. Preliminary findings suggest that the supply of these drugs originated from outside the state, indicating the presence of an interstate distribution network.
Kadam said authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover the entire supply chain involved in the illegal trade of sedative drugs. However, he clarified that no manufacturing unit producing fake intoxicating medicines has been found within Pune city so far.
The minister added that the Food and Drug Administration Maharashtra regularly conducts action against those violating rules related to the sale and distribution of medicines across the state.
The revelation has intensified concerns over the increasing misuse of drugs and intoxicating substances in Pune and nearby areas. Lawmakers and officials have warned that such substances pose a serious threat to young people and called for stricter monitoring and swift action to curb the illegal sale of sedative drugs.
In recent months, there have been allegations of rising drug-related activities in Pune and neighbouring regions, including crackdowns on suspected drug dens in Satara district. The issue has sparked debate about law and order in Pune, a city long known as an educational hub, as authorities face growing pressure to control drug abuse and related criminal activities.
