Thane Police Commissioner Calls For Public Participation To Make Drug-Free India Campaign Successful

Bhiwandi: Active participation from every section of society is essential to making the Drug-Free India and Drug-Free Maharashtra campaigns successful, Thane Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre said, stressing that drug abuse not only destroys families but can also contribute to criminal activities.

Dumbre was speaking at an award distribution ceremony organised by the Bhiwandi Police Deputy Commissionerate as part of a public awareness campaign against drug abuse. The event was attended by MP Suresh Mhatre, popularly 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, among others.

Public awareness programme organised to encourage youth participation against addiction

As part of the awareness drive, a reel-making competition was organised to spread the message against drug abuse. Participants were divided into two categories — those below 18 years and those above 18. Winners securing the first, second and third positions in both categories were felicitated with prizes.

Dumbre said drug abuse has emerged as a growing concern, with its impact extending beyond individuals to families and society. He said young people who fall prey to addiction can also become vulnerable to criminal activities.

Reel competition winners felicitated across two age categories

Police action alone cannot completely eliminate the problem of drugs. Social awareness and public participation are equally important,” Dumbre said, calling for coordinated efforts between the police and citizens to turn the anti-drug campaign into a wider public movement.

Appealing to youngsters to remain vigilant about drug abuse among their peers, Dumbre urged them to encourage those struggling with addiction to seek help and immediately inform the police about drug trafficking or other illegal activities.

Citizens urged to support addicts and report drug-related activities

He also encouraged citizens, particularly young people, to take the lead in anti-drug initiatives and promote constructive activities such as sports to keep youth away from substance abuse.

Issuing a stern warning to drug traffickers and those involved in the illegal narcotics trade, Dumbre said offenders who put the future of young people at risk would not be spared. He added that the police were taking sustained action against such elements, but stressed that public cooperation remained indispensable to eliminating the menace.

Providing details of the action taken against narcotics in the Thane Police Commissionerate area, Dumbre said police seized drugs worth approximately ₹25 crore in 2025. In 2026, so far, narcotics worth around ₹99 crore have been seized as part of enforcement action.

Dumbre appealed to youngsters to stay away from drugs and play an active role in building a drug-free society.

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