In a significant move to combat the rising drug menace, the Maharashtra cabinet has approved the creation of 346 new posts in the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF). The decision, taken on Tuesday, February 18, aims to strengthen drug enforcement efforts across the state.
The Maharashtra government had announced the formation of ANTF in 2023 to tackle drug-related crimes. With the latest expansion, the force will have enhanced manpower and resources to curb smuggling, trafficking, and distribution of narcotics.
The development aligns with the central government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs. In January 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ in Delhi, asserted that India will not allow even a single kilogram of drugs to be smuggled in or out of the country.
Sharp Rise in Drug Seizures in India:
According to a statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs, narcotics worth ₹25,330 crore were seized in India in 2024, marking a 55% increase from ₹16,100 crore in 2023. Among the seized substances, synthetic drugs, cocaine, and pharmaceutical drugs—which are frequently abused as psychotropic substances—were found in significantly higher quantities.
Key figures from the 2024 drug seizures:
- Methamphetamine (ATS drugs):80 quintals (up from 34 quintals in 2023)
- Cocaine:1,426 kg (up from 292 kg in 2023)
- Mephedrone:3,391 kg (up from 688 kg in 2023)
- Hashish:61 quintals (up from 34 quintals in 2023)
- Pharmaceutical drugs (tablets):4.69 crore (up from 1.84 crore in 2023)
Nagpur Emerging as a Narcotics Hub:
The growing drug trade in Nagpur has raised concerns, with multiple high-value drug seizures reported in recent months. Given its strategic location as a transit point connecting different parts of the country, Nagpur is increasingly becoming a hotspot for drug smuggling and consumption.
Authorities have stepped up surveillance, enforcement, and crackdown on narcotics networks operating in the region. With the strengthened ANTF and intensified monitoring, the government aims to curb the supply chain and prevent drug abuse in Maharashtra.