Maharashtra Takes a Hard Stance on Drugs: New Task Force to Tackle Growing Menace
Maharashtra Police Launches New Anti-Drug Task Force
The Maharashtra Police have launched a new task force dedicated to tackling the state’s growing drug problem. The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) will be responsible for everything from investigating drug trafficking networks to coordinating with national agencies.
Targeting Big Networks and Building Partnerships
The ANTF will focus particularly on cases involving large-scale drug smuggling operations that span across Maharashtra or even multiple states. They’ll work closely with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Customs, and other law enforcement agencies across the country.
Experienced Leadership at the Helm
Senior IPS officer Sharda Raut has been appointed as the head of the ANTF, with Deputy Inspector General Pravin Patil as her deputy. The task force is already being staffed with 346 officers drawn from the state police and is expected to be fully operational in the coming days.
Two Divisions, Statewide Coverage
The ANTF will be divided into two divisions, headquartered in Pune and Nagpur. The Pune division will oversee cases in Konkan, Western Maharashtra, and North Maharashtra, while the Nagpur division will handle Marathwada and Vidarbha. This strategic setup ensures that the task force has a strong presence across the state.
Mumbai Excluded, Local Police Remain Key
Notably, Mumbai has been excluded from the ANTF’s jurisdiction. The city already has established anti-drug agencies, including the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) and the NCB. Local police will continue to handle drug cases within their areas, but cases with wider implications will be transferred to the ANTF under the direction of the Director General of Police.
Boosting Conviction Rates and Awareness
The ANTF aims to improve conviction rates in drug-related cases by building strong cases against traffickers and peddlers. They will create district-wise lists of known drug offenders and work to dismantle the supply chains that bring drugs into the state.
Beyond law enforcement, the ANTF will also play a role in raising public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Combating a Growing Threat
The ANTF’s creation comes at a time when drug trafficking is becoming increasingly prevalent in Maharashtra. Recent busts of mephedrone manufacturing units in various districts highlight the scale of the problem. The task force is expected to be a crucial tool in the state’s fight against this growing menace.
