Operation Thunder: A Mother's Tears And A Resolute City's Fight Against Drugs

Time of India

19-06-2025

When I took charge as Nagpur commissioner of police, I was not prepared for the heartbreak that walked into my office one afternoon. It was a mother — shaking, silent, and shattered.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
She eventually spoke, and her words have stayed with me ever since. "Sir," she said, "only you can help me. My son is just 16. He's addicted to drugs. He's become violent. He has raised his hand on me. He steals from home. He barely eats or sleeps. I don't know how to save him." It was the story of many families — a crisis spreading in our society, behind closed doors, consuming children, breaking families.
That moment gave birth to Operation Thunder — a mission to not only stop supply of drugs but to confront the suffering.
It was about awakening a city, protecting our youth.
We began with city-wide strategy, and clear directives. Identify and dismantle the entire ecosystem: from manufacturers and transporters to suppliers, traffickers, and consumers who sustain it.
Old case files were reopened. Surveillance and intelligence gathering intensified. Then, one night, in a single operation, over 800 habitual offenders were apprehended.
The era of tolerance was over. The action was backed by legal steps, like cases under MCOCA, PIT NDPS, and MPDA, ensuring offenders faced real and lasting consequences.
But Operation Thunder was never about numbers alone. It was about deep, systemic transformation. The NDPS Cell was restructured. Dedicated officers were trained further. We focused on backward and forward linkages — origin, distribution, and victims.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
This led to the first successful use of the PIT NDPS Act in the city.
Behind every seized packet, every report, and every arrest, there were heartbreaking stories. Drug peddlers preyed on vulnerable young boys and girls, luring with free samples. Once hooked, the exploitation began. Some young girls were pushed into prostitution. A few, unable to cope, took their own lives. These weren't just statistics — they were silent screams, in broken homes.
Enforcement alone could not solve them. We knew we had to reach out — to educate, engage, and empower. Awareness became our strongest weapon.
Through sustained outreach, over 87,000 students across Nagpur were sensitized about the dangers of drug abuse. In schools, colleges, and vulnerable areas, holding awareness sessions, discussions, and open dialogues. Over 17,000 students took the anti-drug pledge through the ministry of home affairs portal.
We proposed the formation of Anti-Drug Clubs as peer-led spaces to encourage vigilance, early detection, and support.
Nagpur is now witnessing a shift. Conversations have begun in homes and schools. Our officers are mentors, counsellors, and protectors. But our work is far from over.
To every parent reading this, I urge you: be your child's safe space. Pay attention to moods, behaviour, silence. Your involvement can save them.
To our teachers — you are the eyes and ears of our community. One concerned word, one phone call to the authorities can prevent a lifetime of regret.
To the youth — you are stronger than temptation. You are not alone. You don't need drugs to escape — you need a purpose, a mission, and belief in your potential.
As the world observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, let us not just participate in ceremonies. Let us act with conviction. Let us speak, intervene, and protect.
Say NO to drugs. Say YES to courage. Say YES to a drug-free Nagpur. Together, let us thunder against this menace. Together, let us protect our future.
(The writer is commissioner of police, Nagpur City)