Pune, 30th July 2026: Police have launched a major crackdown on people consuming cannabis in public places as part of their 'Mission Clean' initiative under the 'Drug-Free Pune' campaign.
Acting on the directions of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, local police stations and the Crime Branch's Anti-Narcotics Cell have intensified raids at identified drug consumption hotspots across the city.
The campaign is aimed at curbing drug abuse by taking strict action not only against drug peddlers but also against individuals caught consuming cannabis. Police teams have been conducting surprise inspections at open spaces, riverbeds, streams and other secluded locations where drug users frequently gather.
On July 28, teams from Nanded City, Uttamnagar, Khadki and Loni Kalbhor police stations caught seven people consuming cannabis using chillums during coordinated raids. Cases were registered against them under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The action was carried out at locations including Nanded village, the Khadakwasla stream, the Uttamnagar crematorium area and the riverbed near Holkar Bridge.
Similar operations have also been conducted in Kondhwa, Hadapsar, Kothrud, Baner, Kalepadal, Sinhagad Road, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Parvati, Ambegaon, Bibwewadi, Wagholi and several other parts of Pune.
Police have urged citizens to report any incidents of drug consumption or drug trafficking in their neighbourhoods. Officials assured that the identity of informants will be kept confidential to encourage public participation in the anti-drug campaign.
Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, consuming any illegal narcotic substance is a cognisable and serious offence. A person found guilty can face up to one year of rigorous imprisonment, a fine of up to ₹20,000, or both, depending on the provisions applicable to the offence.