Nagpur: In a major crackdown on the narcotics trade, city police have shared a list of prominent drug peddlers and kingpins, along with their residential addresses, with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for possible demolition action.At a review meeting with elected representatives, outgoing Nagpur police commissioner Ravinder Singal sought greater cooperation from corporators in tackling the growing drug menace. Singal said demolition of properties linked to major drug traffickers could act as a strong deterrent and send a clear message that organised drug crime will not be tolerated. He clarified that while police have shared details of identified offenders, the decision on whether a structure qualifies for demolition would rest with the civic administration in accordance with legal provisions.He also stressed the need for public participation, noting that many citizens hesitate to report narcotics-related activities due to social stigma or fear of reprisals. Assuring corporators of complete confidentiality, Singal said all credible information would be acted upon promptly.“If any police personnel are found involved in illegal activities, report it to us. We will take action,” he said, adding that eight to ten police personnel had been dismissed in recent years for misconduct.Standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare backed the proposal, saying the civic body would scrutinise the properties identified by police and initiate demolition proceedings wherever legal violations are detected.Mayor Neeta Thakre also supported stringent action against the narcotics trade, stating that both peddlers and consumers should face strict consequences to curb repeat offences and prevent youngsters from falling prey to addiction.Joint commissioner of police Navinchandra Reddy urged corporators to assist law enforcement by providing anonymous tip-offs about suspected drug activities in their wards. He said drug syndicates often use juveniles as couriers or “drug mules”, paying them around Rs25,000 to transport narcotics.Reddy warned that synthetic drugs are emerging as a major threat and appealed to elected representatives to act as the eyes and ears of law enforcement in dismantling drug networks across the city.Singal has been transferred to Mumbai as director general of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, and his successor, Vishwas Nangre Patil, is expected to continue the drive.
