Nagpur: The Maharashtra govt will set up de-addiction centres in every district and intensify action against narcotics syndicates as part of its expanded anti-drug campaign, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis told the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.Fadnavis also announced that citizens providing information on drug networks would be rewarded, while their identities would be kept strictly confidential. He said the govt would act against the promotion of drug culture in films and other entertainment content. Rules have already been framed, under which action can be taken against the glorification of drugs, and complaints can be filed.Replying to a query on the rising drug menace, the CM said the state has adopted a “whole-of-govt approach” aligned with the Centre’s anti-drug drive, bringing nearly 15 departments together to focus on enforcement, prevention, awareness and rehabilitation.“This fight has begun on a large scale. It may take time, but we will destroy the drug network,” he told the House.Fadnavis said drug addiction is not only a law-and-order issue but also a serious public health and social concern, particularly among youth. The Public Health and Social Justice departments have been tasked with preparing a framework for district-level de-addiction and rehabilitation centres.“These centres will help youth overcome addiction and reintegrate into mainstream society,” he said.Highlighting a shift in enforcement strategy, the CM said investigations will no longer end at the seizure stage. Police have been directed to trace both forward and backward linkages to identify suppliers, financiers, manufacturers and distribution networks.Citing recent operations, he referred to an Agripada case that led investigators to a warehouse in Gujarat, where drugs worth around 50 crore were seized, followed by another recovery of 74 crore. In another case linked to a peddler arrested near a Pune hostel, authorities recovered hydroponic ganja worth about 44 crore from multiple locations.Fadnavis also informed the House about the arrest of alleged drug kingpin Salim Dola and around a dozen associates. He said Dola had admitted to owning an MD drug manufacturing unit earlier uncovered in Satara.The govt is also conducting awareness drives across the state, removing illegal structures near educational institutions suspected of facilitating drug trade, and initiating disciplinary action against police personnel found involved in narcotics-related activities.The Assembly discussion reflected growing concern across party lines over the spread of synthetic drugs, trafficking near educational institutions, and the influence of narcotics through digital and entertainment platforms. Fadnavis said Maharashtra’s strategy would focus equally on dismantling supply chains and supporting recovery for those affected by addiction.# Key Takeaways• Govt will establish de-addiction and rehabilitation centres in every district• The anti-drug campaign will involve coordinated action by nearly 15 state departments• Informants providing credible information on narcotics activities will be rewarded• Govt assured complete confidentiality for whistleblowers• Action can be taken against glorification of drugs in films and entertainment content• Police will investigate entire narcotics networks instead of limiting action to seizures• Recent operations led to drug seizures worth over 168 crore in Maharashtra & Gujarat• Alleged drug kingpin Salim Dola and several associates have been arrested• Awareness campaigns are being intensified across the state
