VIDEO: CM Devendra Fadnavis Announces Special Police Drive In Bandra East Slums To Curb Drug Menace; MCOCA Amended To Cover Narcotics Offences

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday assured the State Assembly that a special police drive will be launched in the Behrampada, Bharat Nagar, Golibar, and Navpada areas of Bandra East to tackle the growing drug menace. The CM made this announcement in response to concerns raised by UBT MLA Varun Sardesai and other legislators during a discussion on rising drug-related incidents across the state.

The issue was highlighted through a Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Vilas Bhumre from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Bhumre expressed grave concern over the easy availability of drugs in his constituency, warning that substances such as MD, ketamine, charas, brown sugar, and even synthetic “plastic drugs” were being openly sold — including at local pan shops.

He shared a distressing incident where the mother of a college-going girl had to seek help from the Damini Squad (A police squad for women safety) for counselling due to her daughter's drug addiction.

Bhumre’s concerns were echoed by Varun Sardesai, who pointed out that several densely populated slum areas in Bandra East — including Navpada, Golibar, Bharat Nagar, and Behrampada — had become hotbeds for open drug peddling. He noted that police often hesitate to enter these congested areas.

Sardesai urged the Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, to establish beat chowkies (local police posts) and take stringent action against such gully drug peddlers. He also raised the issue of Nigerian nationals allegedly involved in the drug trade.

"These (Nigerian) accused often commit another minor crime to avoid deportation, which delays justice and complicates their legal status," Sardesai said. He also highlighted the growing use of minors in drug peddling and criticized police for being lenient in such cases.

In response, CM Fadnavis announced that a special anti-drug operation will be carried out in the affected areas. He also revealed ongoing discussions with the Union Government regarding Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling foreign nationals like Nigerians involved in drug trafficking.

“The Centre has informed us that in cases involving minor offences, legal withdrawal of minor charges followed by immediate deportation could be considered,” he said.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that the government is considering lowering the age of criminal responsibility for drug-related crimes, especially when minors are exploited by peddlers. He said action would also be taken against those who recruit minors into drug trafficking.

In a significant legislative move, the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Monday unanimously passed an amendment to the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), bringing narcotics and psychotropic drug offences under its purview. The bill had earlier been cleared by the State Assembly on July 9 and now awaits the Governor’s assent.

Under the amended law, activities such as manufacture, sale, possession, transport, and distribution of narcotic drugs will be classified as “organised crime,” making it more difficult for accused individuals to secure bail.

Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam informed that the proposal was first announced by CM Fadnavis in the Legislative Council on July 2, following which the bill was tabled and swiftly passed by both Houses.