Maharashtra CM Warns Against Rising Hydro Ganja Threat

Mumbai, Jul 3 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted on Thursday that 'hydro' ganja has become a significant challenge for the government. The government, along with the Centre, has increased its efforts to tackle the drug issue.

In response to a calling attention motion in the legislative council, Fadnavis expressed concerns about synthetic drugs and revealed that even terminally ill cancer patients are being exploited as drug carriers.

He noted that the increase in drug-related cases is a result of the government’s intensive anti-drug operations.

Fadnavis pointed out that drugs were being smuggled through ports in Gujarat and at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Maharashtra, cleverly hidden within cargo consignments.

“We have installed scanners in Gujarat and Maharashtra to detect hidden drugs, and we are conducting random checks on shipments from countries with a high likelihood of drug imports,” he stated.

Recently, two Indonesian nationals were apprehended in Mumbai with 21 kg of hydroponic ganja, valued at Rs 21.55 crore.

Hydroponic ganja involves growing cannabis plants without soil, allowing cultivators precise environmental control for faster growth and increased yields.

Considering the tendency of drug peddlers to secure bail and re-engage in criminal activities, the state government is amending laws to charge them under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, which makes bail difficult to obtain.

“Hydro ganja is creating challenges. While it is legal in Thailand and the US, it is being smuggled into India via couriers and other methods,” Fadnavis explained.

He also mentioned the extradition of alleged drug cartel leader Naveen Chichkar from Malaysia to India in May. Chichkar had purchased an island in Australia and even gained its citizenship.

Chichkar was involved in sending hydroponic ganja from Thailand and the US using courier services. He was arrested with several associates, including postal and Customs department officials and two policemen who have been dismissed from their jobs.

“The government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs,” Fadnavis emphasized.

He acknowledged that drug trafficking is an international and interstate issue, with various states collaborating to combat it. Authorities are not only arresting drug peddlers but are also required to thoroughly investigate the broader networks involved.

Fadnavis disclosed unfortunate instances in which terminal cancer patients were exploited as drug mules, citing three specific cases.

“We have bolstered our anti-drug efforts and have warned courier companies against facilitating drug transportation, threatening to include them as accused if found complicit,” Fadnavis added.

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