Though Koyende did not mention the names of any venues where special watch would be kept for reasons of operational security, he did admit that beach parties are likely to be venues for drug trade than enclosed venues like pubs and discos. “Such open places are very conducive for the drug peddlers. He can stash his drugs in a nearby place and mingle with the crowd. Moreover, entry and exit from such venues is not as difficult as in the case of enclosed places,” he said.

Narcotics Cell to rope in public to combat drug menace
With an aim to expand their database of informers giving tip offs about drug activities, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Mumbai Police is planning to put up pamphlets at public places with the numbers of their offices so that people with any information on drug activities can reach them directly.

Senior Police Inspector Girish Koyende from the ANC said, “Usually, when it comes to nabbing drug peddlers, we have to rely on informers. These pamphlets have been made so that even normal people who see or suspect any drug activity in their surroundings can contact us directly instead of going to the local police station. Moreover, there are certain places like pubs or colleges where also drug trade goes on some occasions.”

The pamphlets appeal general public to be alert about drug trade, and carry landline phone numbers of the ANC office at Cuffe Parade and its other units throughout the city. “We have also mentioned that the identities of the informers would be kept confidential so as to encourage the common man to inform our offices as and when they come across any drug activity,” said Koyende.

... contd.