Maharashtra Passes Bill Targeting Drug Peddling and Narcotics Offences

Quick Summary

• The Maharashtra Legislative Council passed a bill amending the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) to include drug peddling and narcotics-related offences on July 14, 2025.
• Minister of State for Home Affairs (Urban), yogesh Kadam, emphasized that handlers of commercial quantities will now be charged under MCOCA as drug-related crimes are considered organized crime.
• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis referred to this amendment as fulfilling his earlier promise. He stated that efforts are underway to draft standard operating procedures (SOPs) for deporting foreign nationals implicated in drug-peddling cases.
• Shiv Sena leader Varun Sardesai raised concerns about open drug peddling in Bandra East neighborhoods and referenced the involvement of Nigerians and other minors in the cartels. He requested increased police presence and suggested establishing beat chowkis in these areas.
• CM Fadnavis noted ongoing deliberations on reducing punishment age limits for minors involved in such crimes or holding adults accountable who exploit minors.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The inclusion of narcotics-related offences under MCOCA represents a significant shift aimed at tackling large-scale drug trafficking with more stringent legal measures in Maharashtra. By categorizing these crimes as ‘organized crime,’ authorities aim to strengthen enforcement against networks operating beyond conventional capacities defined by current laws like NDPS Act, 1985. The push for SOPs concerning foreign nationals also highlights an effort towards systemic intervention needed to address issues related to international actors involved in local crime networks.

Concerns raised regarding minor involvement and vulnerabilities within specific urban pockets underscore challenges facing ground-level implementation of law enforcement strategies meant to dismantle entrenched structures surrounding drug cartels. These legislative and administrative changes could imply an intent toward broader reforms targeting organized criminal frameworks across India while balancing regional societal complexities.

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