Reformed addicts to crack down on raves

Mateen Hafeez | TNN

Mumbai: The Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC) has convinced around five dozen “reformed’’ drug addicts to help them crack down on New Year’s eve rave parties and other get-togethers where substance abuse may be rampant. P Sunil Paraskar, the deputy commissioner of police, said: “We will take the help of youngsters who were caught in different rave parties in the past. They know their way around the party circuit where often people tend to peddle or consume drugs. The enlisted were earlier caught for taking drugs but later realised that their habit was ruining their lives, so they quit.’’

The ANC has vowed to leave no pub or hotel unturned in their quest. “We are also monitoring those parties that are charging huge amounts of money for tickets. We will not allow the use of drugs at any cost,’’ said Paraskar.

The ANC has a staff of 120 policemen including 20 officers in its five units at Worli, Azad Maidan, Ghatkopar, Bandra and Kandivli. “Special squads will be equipped with spy cameras,’’ said Paraskar.

A network of informers has been activated to tip the police off. “This time round, we will
rope in an additional force of policewomen to keep tabs on female peddlers and consumers,’’ said an officer.

This year, the ANC arrested 2009 men and 188 women for drug peddling, possession and consumption. In 2008, drugs amounting to Rs 2 crore were seized; in 2009, the figure crossed Rs 5 crore.

The Times of India, December 30, 2009