Sameer Wankhede speaks on drug abuse and narcoterrorism
- Prajakta Chavan Rane
- 16 May, 2026
Former NCB Zonal Director and IRS officer Sameer Wankhede addressed the anti-drug campaign “Sajjan Shakti 2026” in Vashi, highlighting the dangers of substance abuse, narcoterrorism, and rising drug consumption among youth. Speaking to Newsband, he stressed awareness, prevention, and strict enforcement under the NDPS Act to combat the growing narcotics threat.
Q. Please tell us about the statewide anti-drug drive you are leading?
A. “Sajjan Shakti 2026” is an important awareness initiative launched at the right time. Law enforcement agencies are responsible for implementing laws, seizing narcotics, arresting offenders, and presenting them before the courts. However, awareness among citizens is equally important. If society wants to stop drug consumption and break the supply chain, public participation is necessary. Today, tackling drug trafficking requires 100 percent effort from both law enforcement agencies and the public.
A. “Sajjan Shakti 2026” is an important awareness initiative launched at the right time. Law enforcement agencies are responsible for implementing laws, seizing narcotics, arresting offenders, and presenting them before the courts. However, awareness among citizens is equally important. If society wants to stop drug consumption and break the supply chain, public participation is necessary. Today, tackling drug trafficking requires 100 percent effort from both law enforcement agencies and the public.
Q. What inspires you to lead this anti-drug crusade?
A. Around 22 percent of India’s 140 crore population consists of youth, and they are the primary targets of drug cartels. I do not want Indian youth to suffer the situation witnessed in several Western countries, badly affected by drug addiction. India is progressing rapidly as a developing nation, and it is important to protect our younger generation from harmful and criminal activities related to drugs.
A. Around 22 percent of India’s 140 crore population consists of youth, and they are the primary targets of drug cartels. I do not want Indian youth to suffer the situation witnessed in several Western countries, badly affected by drug addiction. India is progressing rapidly as a developing nation, and it is important to protect our younger generation from harmful and criminal activities related to drugs.
Q. You have been speaking strongly against narcoterrorism. What exactly does it mean?
A. Narcoterrorism refers to the dangerous link between narcotics and terrorism. Money spent on drugs often reaches enemy nations through illegal channels and can be used for anti-national and terrorist activities. Parents unknowingly provide money that may end up supporting this chain if children become addicted to drugs. Therefore, the fight against narcotics is directly connected to national security.
A. Narcoterrorism refers to the dangerous link between narcotics and terrorism. Money spent on drugs often reaches enemy nations through illegal channels and can be used for anti-national and terrorist activities. Parents unknowingly provide money that may end up supporting this chain if children become addicted to drugs. Therefore, the fight against narcotics is directly connected to national security.
Q. Which are the major variants of narcotic substances affecting youth today?
A. Drugs such as ganja, expensive foreign hydroponic weed, and LSD are increasingly targeting the younger generation. Large quantities of these substances have been seized in Navi Mumbai. Drugs like LSD can cause severe psychological and behavioural effects, including hallucinations, extreme mood swings, mental instability, depression, addiction, and even suicidal tendencies among youngsters.
Q. What message would you like to give to youth and parents?
A. My message is simple — “Say no to drugs and yes to life.” Human life is precious, and we should treat our body like a temple. Youth should choose their role models wisely and follow inspirational leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Vinayak Savarkar, and Maharana Pratap.
A. My message is simple — “Say no to drugs and yes to life.” Human life is precious, and we should treat our body like a temple. Youth should choose their role models wisely and follow inspirational leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Vinayak Savarkar, and Maharana Pratap.
