Pune, 9th January 2025: City is witnessing a steady and worrying rise in drug-related crimes, with narcotics networks expanding their reach across the city. Data under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act shows that both the number of registered cases and arrests have gone up over the last five years, indicating stronger trafficking activity and wider consumption, particularly among young people.
Once limited to specific pockets, drug circulation has now spread to college areas, IT hubs, nightlife zones and residential localities. Repeated police actions have revealed the presence of drug networks in areas such as Vishrantwadi, Kondhwa, Hadapsar, Wakad, Hinjewadi, Kharadi, Koregaon Park and Viman Nagar.
With Pune housing a large student and working youth population, traffickers are increasingly targeting this vulnerable group.
Police investigations show a clear shift in the type of drugs being sold. Synthetic substances such as mephedrone (MD), party drugs and hydroponic cannabis have overtaken traditional drugs like ganja and charas.
The use of online platforms, encrypted messaging apps and social media has made trafficking more discreet, while methods like “dead drops” are being used to avoid direct contact and law enforcement scrutiny.
In recent years, Pune Police, the Crime Branch, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have jointly cracked down on several major rackets, some with inter-state and international links.
Large seizures and the destruction of illegal drug manufacturing units outside Maharashtra underline the scale of the problem. However, despite these operations, the availability of drugs in the city continues to pose a challenge.
Social workers and experts believe that the growing drug problem is also contributing indirectly to health emergencies, overdoses and unnatural deaths among youth in Maharashtra. They argue that focusing only on arrests will not address the root causes.
Strong awareness programmes in colleges, active participation of parents and teachers, better rehabilitation facilities and tighter monitoring of cyber-based drug sales are seen as crucial steps to prevent further damage.
With cases under NDPS peaking in 2025, authorities and civil society agree that a sustained, multi-layered approach is essential to stop Pune from slipping deeper into the drug crisis and to safeguard the lives of young citizens across Maharashtra.
“Pune Police is taking strict action against drug traffickers and will continue special drives to protect the youth. Strong law enforcement, social awareness and proper guidance for young people are essential to keep Pune and Maharashtra free from the growing drug menace.”Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar