In an effort to combat drug abuse and promote a drug-free society, Navi Mumbai Police have launched the "Drug-Free Navi Mumbai" (Nasha Mukt Navi Mumbai) campaign. This initiative is in line with the vision of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who aims to create a drug-free Maharashtra. Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe has spearheaded the campaign, with renowned Bollywood actor John Abraham participating as the campaign's ambassador. “After my announcement to start the campaign, Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate was the first to respond by implementing it,” Chief Minister said during the inauguration of the campaign on Wednesday at Cidco exhibition centre.

The campaign, designed to strengthen the fight against drug abuse, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs and create a drug-free environment in the city. As part of the initiative, the police plan to focus on schools, colleges, and universities, working to free these educational institutions from the influence of drugs. Additionally, young people affected by substance abuse will be counseled and rehabilitated to reintegrate them into society. The overall goal is to make Navi Mumbai a drug-free city, Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe said.

Actor John Abraham who has volunteered to be the face of the campaign
Actor John Abraham who has volunteered to be the face of the campaign
Actor John Abraham who has volunteered to be the face of the campaign

The campaign will see the placement of digital banners and hoardings across over 200 locations in Navi Mumbai, including schools, colleges, railway stations, business parks, malls, and hospitals, spreading the message of a drug-free city. Over 1,200 T-shirts promoting the cause have been distributed to students in higher secondary schools and colleges. The branding of the "Nasha Mukt Navi Mumbai" campaign is also being displayed on public transport, including buses, auto rickshaws, and police vehicles.

Actor John Abraham who has volunteered to be the face of the campaign said during the inauguration, “I have never touched drugs ever in my life. It is very important to be disciplined in life to be successful. Stay fit and stay away from any kind of addiction,” Abraham said by addressing the audience that largely consisted of college and school going students. Public awareness efforts will also include the use of social media influencers, radio IVR, phone IVR (ringtones), and street plays. In addition, advertisements promoting the drug-free initiative will be broadcast through popular taxi services like Ola and Uber. The message will even reach audiences at international events like the Coldplay concert at D.Y. Patil Stadium in Nerul, where awareness about the campaign will be raised.

A helpline -8828 112 112- has also been launched for individuals to report information related to drugs anonymously. The police have encouraged citizens to use the helpline to report drug-related activities and participate in the campaign. “May it be about consumption, sale or purchase of drugs. If anyone has any kind of inputs we urge to report to us on the helpline number anonymously,” Bharambe added.

Navi Mumbai Police's Actions Against Drugs in last two years

The police have filed a total of 1,133 cases against drug traffickers and users. A total of 1,750 individuals, including 111 African nationals, have been arrested during this period. Authorities have seized drugs worth approximately Rs 56 crore in these operations.

Moreover, the police have arrested 1,131 African nationals and 224 Bangladeshi nationals who were residing illegally in Navi Mumbai. Besides, 1,128 African nationals have been deported back to their home countries.