Thane Police Seized Drugs Worth Rs 99 Crore in 2026, Says CP Ashutosh Dumbre
Active public participation is crucial to the success of the Drug-Free India and Drug-Free Maharashtra campaigns, Thane Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre said during an anti-drug awareness programme in Bhiwandi. Addressing the gathering, Dumbre noted that drug abuse damages families and pushes young people toward criminal behaviour.
The event was an award distribution ceremony organised by the Bhiwandi Police Deputy Commissionerate as part of its ongoing campaign against substance abuse. Several public representatives and senior officials attended the programme, including Member of Parliament Suresh Mhatre, also known as Balya Mama, legislators Mahesh Choughule and Rais Shaikh, Mayor Narayan Chaudhary, Assistant Commissioner of Police Dnyaneshwar Chavan, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Pawan Bansod.
Providing figures on recent enforcement drives across the Thane Police Commissionerate area, Dumbre revealed that police seized narcotics worth approximately ₹25 crore in 2025. In 2026 so far, the value of seized illegal drugs has reached around ₹99 crore.
Dumbre stressed that law enforcement measures alone cannot eliminate the narcotics problem without community involvement. He urged citizens to work alongside the police to build a broader public movement, calling on youth to stay vigilant, report drug trafficking activities to authorities, and support peers who are struggling with addiction in seeking help.
As part of the awareness initiative, a reel-making competition was organised to spread anti-addiction messaging. Participants competed in two age categories—those under 18 years and those above 18 years. Winners securing the first, second, and third positions in both brackets were presented with awards at the ceremony.
Encouraging the youth to engage in constructive pursuits such as sports, Dumbre issued a stern warning to drug traffickers. He stated that individuals involved in the illegal narcotics trade who endanger the future of young citizens will face sustained police action and will not be spared.
