Deputy CM Fadnavis Felicitates Pune Police for Unraveling Major Drug Racket

Deputy Chief Minister (DyCM) Fadnavis expressed his appreciation for the police officials and personnel involved in uncovering a massive drug racket in Pune. 

Fadnavis emphasized the severe impact of drugs on society and youth, stating that the production of substances like Mephedrone (MD) was as easy as preparing sugarcane juice at home. He stressed the need to tackle the drug menace urgently, considering it as dangerous as bullets and missiles.

During a felicitation ceremony at the city police commissionerate, Fadnavis lauded the efforts of the police officers and personnel who exposed the Pune drug case and are actively pursuing the mastermind behind the racket. 

The home minister visited the police commissionerate on Saturday following the seizure of over 1,700 kg of MD drugs valued at ₹3,500 crore. The operation, deemed the largest in the country in recent times, received recognition from Fadnavis, who acknowledged the connections of the Pune drug case across the nation and beyond.

Fadnavis highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts among states to combat drug cases, following the ‘Drugs Free India’ slogan initiated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He emphasized the involvement of large sums of money in the drug market and the use of secure means like couriers and social media for illegal trade. Fadnavis commended the Pune police for their commitment to a ‘Drug Free Maharashtra’ policy, announcing a reward of Rs 25 lakh for their significant action.

The DyCM urged continuous action against drug dens and emphasized the importance of tracing both backward and forward links associated with any seized stock. 

While congratulating the Pune police commissioner’s leadership, Fadnavis stressed the ongoing battle against drugs, encouraging the police force to maintain their zero-tolerance approach.

Fadnavis personally honoured key officers involved in the operation, including additional commissioner of police Shailesh Balkawade, deputy commissioner of police Amol Zende, deputy commissioner of police Sandeep Singh Gill, assistant commissioner of police Sunil Tambe, assistant commissioner of police Satish Govekar, police inspector Shabbir Sayyad, police inspector Anita Hivarkar, police inspector Vinayak Gaikwad, police inspector Rajendra Landge, police inspector Ajay Waghmare, and police constable Vitthal Salunkhe.