The Maharashtra state cabinet on Tuesday gave its stamp of approval to the formation of an Anti-Narcotics Task Force at the state level.
The decision to form ANTF had been taken in 2023 during the Eknath Shinde government tenure, however, it had remained on paper for want of necessary funds.
On Tuesday, the state cabinet approved 346 posts to be filled for ANTF and also sanctioned close to Rs 23 crores this year so that ANTF can be formed with immediate effect.
The force will be headed by an officer of the rank of Inspector General of police. It will have one Deputy Inspector General of Police and three SP rank officers, three additional SP rank officers, 10 DySP rank officers, senior police inspectors, police sub-inspectors and other constabulary.
Considering the increased number of narcotics-related offences and easy availability of drugs to students, this move by the government is being welcomed in police circles as now a dedicated unit is being formed to tackle the narcotics menace. At present, the DCP, narcotics of Mumbai police is handling cases in Mumbai while there smaller units at district level across the state.
With the formation of ANTF, there will be better coordination with central agencies like Narcotics Control Bureau.