Western states, UTs forge joint strategy against cybercrime, drug cartels

Indore: Police chiefs from seven western states and Union Territories have devised a joint strategy to combat cybercrime, drug cartels, and organised syndicates, and finalised security arrangements for the 2028 Ujjain Simhastha Fair.

The 13th meeting of the Western Regional Police Coordination Committee, chaired by Madhya Pradesh DGP Kailash Makwana in Indore on Friday and attended by top brass from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Goa, resolved to share real-time intelligence and launch synchronised anti-narcotics operations, an official release stated.

The meeting was also attended by senior police officers from Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.


According to the release, discussions covered various topics, including security and management of major religious events such as the Simhastha 2028, the speedy tracing of missing children, cybercrime, organised crime, the use of modern technology in policing, and coordinated action against illegal drug networks.

It was agreed that states would share real-time intelligence, maintain constant communication, and ensure regular review and supervision by appointing nodal officers in each region.

Special emphasis was placed on joint action against the illegal manufacture, transportation, and use of narcotics. A decision was made to launch simultaneous special operations based on a joint action plan formulated by the states to dismantle the entire network.

The meeting also decided that the police department would coordinate with the higher education and school education departments to incorporate topics such as de-addiction, cybersecurity, women's safety, and road safety into academic curricula.

To make action against organised crime and national or inter-state criminal gangs more effective, information regarding wanted criminals and those carrying cash rewards across various states was shared.

Police chiefs decided to hold the 14th Western Regional Police Coordination Committee meeting in Goa.