The Chief Minister confirmed that the State Government will now invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against drug dealers across the state. He stated that the scale of narcotics operations has become so pervasive that traditional anti-narcotic laws are inadequate. As a result, they will now treat large-scale drug trafficking rings as organized crime, enabling the use of MCOCA’s stringent provisions. This move is expected to significantly strengthen the legal framework for tackling high-profile and systemic drug networks.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to suppressing the drug menace and safeguarding public health, noting that the decision follows ongoing concerns over surging cases of narcotics distribution and consumption. This marks a significant escalation in the state’s approach to combating drug-related offenses, treating them on par with organized criminal syndicates.

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