The home department has come across a new pattern where drug syndicates are now using third-stage cancer patients as couriers, exploiting their terminal illness and financial desperation to smuggle narcotics.

Speaking in the state Legislative Council on Thursday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed concern about this situation, but exhibited confidence in dealing with it.

“The police have come across a new pattern in drug cases. Third-stage cancer patients in need of money are lured into the drug trade,” Fadnavis said.