Latest news with #InternationalAnti-NarcoticsWeek
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Now, Nagpur cops to unleash bulldozers on houses of drug lords
Nagpur: City Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal on Friday vowed to unleash bulldozers on illegal properties owned by drug lords as part of the intensified anti-narcotics campaign — Operation Thunder. This first of its kind plan against drug kingpins follows his earlier actions on March 17, when the house of the alleged Nagpur riots mastermind Fahim Khan was demolished, along with parts of unauthorized constructions linked to another rioter, Yusuf Shaikh. Top 50 members of drug cartels are on the police radar. While these demolitions were hailed in some quarters, the High Court labeled them as high-handed, prompting police to adopt a more cautious and legally sound approach in future. Singal has mobilized resources to identify and seize properties, assets, and wealth linked to drug lords involved in interstate narcotics networks. "We will proceed legally to raze illegal constructions and properties of drug lords to shatter their confidence," he said. Singal declared, emphasizing that police are working closely with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to gather details of benami properties and unauthorized establishments. He added, "Their bank accounts will be frozen, and all assets will come under scrutiny." Operation Thunder, launched as a cornerstone of the Drug-Free Nagpur campaign, coincides with International Anti-Narcotics Week, observed from June 20 to 26. Nagpur Police's aggressive stance extends beyond property demolitions. Singal has taken a firm stand on vehicles used in drug trafficking , stating, "Vehicles facilitating the drug trade will remain in our custody as part of legal actions." The policy aims to disrupt the logistics of drug networks. Also, police have ramped up surveillance on transport systems, including buses and railways, leading to successful busts of Mumbai-based drug syndicates. Sources revealed that while police previously targeted properties of top gangsters in the city, delays from civic authorities hindered swift action. Singal urged citizens to report suspicious activities, assuring confidentiality. "Citizens are our eyes and ears," he said, crediting tip-offs for Operation Thunder's success. The top cop has also issued a stern warning to associates of drug lords, stating, "Friends, aides, and supporters sheltering these criminals will face strict action."
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Nagpur Police Launch Aggressive Crackdown On Dark Web And Social Media Drug Trade
1 2 3 Nagpur: The dark web, accessible only through anonymising tools like Tor, has emerged as a significant challenge for Nagpur's law enforcement. They are tackling the high-profile narcotics trade, which increasingly uses hi-tech tools for networking, supply, and communication to avoid police dragnets. "The latest trend is to create online groups and reach out to potential buyers. From time to time, alerts are sent, meeting and party venues disclosed, and vehicle details with symbols on them are revealed to connect with each other," said an insider. As part of International Anti-Narcotics Week, observed globally along with the United Nations' International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, Nagpur police have intensified efforts to combat the escalating drug trade facilitated through the dark web and social media platforms. Under the leadership of commissioner Ravinder Singal, the city is deploying advanced cyber patrolling and surveillance techniques to dismantle sophisticated drug networks exploiting digital anonymity. Singal emphasised the difficulty of tracking transactions on darknet marketplaces. "The dark web's anonymity, combined with cryptocurrency payments, creates a perfect storm for drug traffickers," Singal said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The top cop highlighted the success of Operation Thunder, a citywide initiative launched under his command, which recently led to the seizure of drugs worth Rs6.39 crore. DCP Lohit Matani, spearheading the cybercrime division, said, "The dark web is conducive to cybercrime due to its inherent anonymity and encryption." "Marketplaces like the now-defunct Silk Road facilitated the sale of illegal drugs, allowing users to buy and sell narcotics anonymously," said Matani, adding that traffickers use coded language and emojis like snowflakes for cocaine or maple leaves for cannabis to advertise and connect with buyers. Matani's team has been conducting rigorous cyber patrolling, collaborating with IT experts to decode encrypted communications on apps like Wickr. Matani referenced a 2024 operation where Nagpur police uncovered a syndicate using social media to distribute tramadol and opium-based ayurvedic preparations, concealed as herbal supplements, to international markets. This year's International Anti-Narcotics Week theme, 'People First: Stop Stigma, Strengthen Prevention', aligns with Nagpur police's multi-faceted approach. The district-level anti-narcotics surveillance committee, formed in 2022, has been instrumental in coordinating efforts across agencies, including the postal department, to intercept suspicious couriers. Advanced analytics and cryptocurrency tracing have led to key arrests. "We're blending traditional policing with cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of tech-savvy traffickers," Matani stated. Operation Thunder has been a cornerstone of Nagpur's anti-drug strategy. Singal revealed that the operation leverages real-time data from the National Narcotics Helpline 'MANAS' and employs satellite imagery and drones to monitor trafficking routes. A recent bust under this initiative uncovered a dark web syndicate smuggling drugs to Europe and the US, with 306 grams of narcotics and two illegal firearms seized. "This nexus between drugs and other crimes is a priority for us," Singal noted. Despite these successes, challenges remain. The dark web's anonymity and social media's vast reach strain traditional policing methods. Critics stated that focusing on digital platforms should be given equal attention to Nagpur's traditional trafficking routes, facilitated by its strategic rail and road connectivity. Singal, however, remains optimistic, citing Haryana's success in curbing drug abuse as a model. "Community engagement and technological upskilling are key," he asserted. As part of Anti-Narcotics Week, Nagpur police are organising awareness campaigns, including essay writing, poster making, and reel competitions for students and youth clubs.
