Thu Dec 26 05:36:44 UTC 2024: **Navi Mumbai Sees Sharp Rise in Drug-Related Crimes in 2024**
Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra – A significant surge in drug-related crimes has been reported in Navi Mumbai during 2024, according to a senior police official. The number of registered cases jumped from 475 in 2023 to 654 this year, representing a substantial increase.
The total value of seized contraband also rose dramatically, from ₹22.97 crore in 2023 to ₹33.27 crore in 2024. This increase is largely attributed to a significant rise in cocaine seizures, which jumped from ₹1.25 crore to ₹16.70 crore. Seizures of mephedrone (MD) also increased, from ₹9.33 crore to ₹12.67 crore. Other drugs showing substantial increases include ganja, brown sugar, and LSD.
Arrests under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act also climbed, from 811 in 2023 to 939 in 2024. Notably, the number of foreign nationals arrested increased from 37 to 58, with the value of drugs seized from them rising from ₹11.61 crore to ₹25.70 crore.
Conversely, seizures of methaqualone and tramadol, substantial in 2023, were nonexistent in 2024. Similarly, no heroin was seized this year. The police attributed these changes to ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the area. The annual report from the Navi Mumbai police details these findings.
First Piper 