Western music events promoting drug trafficking on the rise in Mumbai !

Government authorities grant permission for event at Sewri !

Mumbai, 19 April (News) – Over the past few years, the highest number of anti-drug operations in the state have taken place in Mumbai. Despite the high prevalence of drug trafficking in the city and ongoing action against it, permission is simultaneously being granted to Western music events that allegedly facilitate drug trafficking networks.

A Western music event was organised on 18 April at Infinity Bay in Sewri. The event was performed by Calvin Harris, who is known for DJ-based high-volume music performances. Tickets for the event were sold through the BookMyShow app, with prices starting from ₹4,000.

Recently, during a live music concert held at the NESCO Centre in Goregaon, two students died due to excessive drug consumption. This incident exposed a major drug network, and the police arrested six individuals in connection with the case. Even in such a situation, permission was granted for a similar event in Sewri, which is alleged to facilitate drug trafficking networks.

Following the deaths of the students in Goregaon, the government faced severe criticism from opposition parties. Against this backdrop, alcohol consumption was prohibited at the Sewri event featuring Calvin Harris. However, the youth attending the event expressed dissatisfaction with this decision through social media, indicating the nature of such events.

In December 2025, the ‘Sunburn Festival’, which is infamous for drug trafficking and consumption, was organised in Sewri. Some aware social organisations had opposed it; however, disregarding this opposition, the festival was allowed to proceed, allegedly resulting in a loss of government revenue. This inconsistency—strict action against drugs on one hand and permission for Western music events that allegedly contribute to drug trafficking on the other—has led to dissatisfaction among concerned citizens.

Permission denied for event at Kalamboli (Raigad district)

A similar event was scheduled on 25 April in Sector 17 of Kalamboli. Due to opposition from local residents, CIDCO has reportedly denied permission for the event. The police also conveyed to the Home Department that permission should not be granted, leading to its cancellation.