amit-shah-calls-for-united-effort-to-make-india-drug-free

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has emphasised the collective responsibility of making India narcotics- and drug-free. Speaking at the inauguration of the zonal office of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Shah underlined the need for a zero-tolerance approach towards narcotics.

He expressed confidence that the newly established zonal office would play a crucial role in controlling narcotics in the region. Shah also revealed the government's plan to establish a Narcotics Control Bureau in every state across the country, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Shah noted that the nature of drug trafficking in India is evolving, with smugglers increasingly shifting from natural drugs to synthetic ones. He pointed out that synthetic drugs, despite being produced in smaller quantities, pose a significant threat due to their potency and high market value.

Shah expressed concern over the rising usage of sedatives in Chhattisgarh, which stands at 1.45 percent, above the national average. He attributed this issue to Chhattisgarh's geographical location, sharing borders with seven states and its proximity to the Bay of Bengal, making it a strategic route for drug trafficking.

The Home Minister also raised alarms about the high usage of marijuana (ganja) in Chhattisgarh, which is significantly higher than the national average. He urged law enforcement agencies to adopt a comprehensive approach to tackle the drug menace.

Shah advocated for thorough investigations into drug-related cases, emphasising the importance of tracing the entire supply chain—from the point of production to distribution—until the entire network is dismantled.

He stressed the need for both top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top strategies to effectively combat narcotics and dismantle the infrastructure supporting drug trafficking.

Shah’s speech highlighted the government’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse and trafficking in India. He called on all stakeholders to work together in this mission, reinforcing the importance of scientific investigations and strategic action in addressing the growing drug problem in the country.

The establishment of more NCB offices across the states is a step towards strengthening the fight against narcotics, with the goal of making India a drug-free nation.