Drug abuse is a serious social and economic menace leading to multiple problems — unemployment, crimes, family breakdowns, and severe health hazards. The Nagpur Police has launched Operation Thunder to counter this epidemic and protect society from its harmful effects.
Observed Drug Abuse Trends
Drugs come in various forms including heroin, cocaine, ganja, charas, opium, MD (mephedrone), and synthetic drugs. Prolonged consumption affects both body and mind.
Physical Effects:
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Weak immunity
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Major health issues (AIDS, Hepatitis)
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Physical deterioration and visible signs of illness
Mental Effects:
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Hallucinations and delusions
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Aggressive or irrational behavior
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Depression and suicidal tendencies
Social & Economic Effects:
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Increased thefts and financial distress
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Rising domestic conflicts
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Negative impact on youth, weakening community values
Why People Get Addicted
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Peer pressure
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Emotional distress
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Curiosity or misinformation
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Easy availability of drugs
Countermeasures & Strategy under Operation Thunder
1. Disruption of Supply Chains
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Cutting off drug supplies by tracking and seizing narcotics at entry points
2. Eradication of Cultivation & Production
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Identifying drug-producing areas and ensuring their destruction
3. Strict Border Surveillance
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Increased vigilance at inter-state and city borders to block smuggling routes
4. Awareness Campaigns
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Outreach in schools, colleges, and communities to educate youth and parents
5. Rehabilitation & Counseling
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Providing access to medical and psychological help for addicts
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Empowering families to support recovery
6. Community Participation
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Collaborating with NGOs, educational institutions, and local leaders
7. Transparency & Accountability
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Making anti-drug operations visible and results publicly accountable
Key Statistics: December 2023 to May 2025 (Nagpur City)
Drug Type | Cases | Accused Arrested | Quantity Seized | Market Value (₹) | Convictions |
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Ganja | 31 | 56 | 500 kg | 1,17,27,835 | 38 |
MD | 38 | 1 | 833 g | 1,99,55,790 | 71 |
Charas | 0 | 0 | – | – | – |
Cocaine | 0 | 0 | – | – | – |
Heroin | 0 | 0 | – | – | – |
Tablets | 208 | – | – | – | 226 |
Total | 278 | 60 | 1,40,17,425 | 2,22,92,530 | 336 |
Vision for the Future
To permanently address the issue of drugs:
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Consistent multi-agency coordination (Police, NCB, Education, NGOs)
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Youth empowerment through skill development and awareness
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Continued enforcement and social intervention
Message from Vasant Pardeshi (IPS)
Addl. Commissioner of Police (Crime), Nagpur City
“Drugs are not just a personal issue — they destroy entire societies. Operation Thunder is not merely a police operation but a societal movement. Everyone has a role — government, citizens, and families — to eliminate this evil.”