Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, chaired a regional conference on 'Drug Trafficking and National Security' at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
The conference, organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), focused on combating the growing menace of drug trafficking and its impact on national security. Emphasising the government’s commitment, Amit Shah declared that the entire ecosystem of narco-terror must be dismantled.
During the event, Shah inaugurated the Drug Disposal Fortnight, which aims to destroy one lakh kilograms of narcotics worth approximately ₹8,600 crore. This initiative reflects the government’s zero-tolerance approach toward illegal drugs.
He also launched the new office complex of the NCB’s Bhopal Zonal Unit and extended the MANAS-2 helpline to all 36 states and union territories.
Shah encouraged states to actively promote the helpline and ensure prompt action on every call, underscoring its significance in supporting those battling drug addiction.
The conference saw the participation of key leaders, including governors, chief ministers, and senior officials from eight northern states and union territories. Shah highlighted the unprecedented achievements in drug seizures, with narcotics worth ₹16,914 crore seized in 2024, the highest since independence.
This, he said, was a testament to the government’s intensified efforts and strategic approach. He reiterated that achieving a drug-free India is critical to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a fully developed nation by 2047.
Shah also acknowledged the evolving challenges in the fight against drugs, including the use of the dark web, cryptocurrency, and drones for smuggling. He urged all agencies to strengthen their resolve to combat these sophisticated methods.
The Home Minister stressed the need to target the entire drug network through financial investigations and asset seizures, ensuring no case is treated in isolation. He called for rigorous action against illegal clandestine labs, which are often a hub for chemical drug production.
The Modi government, Shah noted, has adopted a multi-faceted approach since 2019—combining a ruthless crackdown on drug supply chains, a strategic reduction in demand, and a compassionate approach towards victims.
This approach has yielded significant results, with drug seizures increasing sevenfold from 2004-2014 to 2014-2024. The value of drugs destroyed during the same period also rose dramatically, reflecting the intensified efforts to root out the drug menace.
Shah emphasised the importance of district-level strategies and coordination among various departments, urging states to hold regular NCORD (Narco Coordination) meetings.
He stressed the need for actionable outcomes and effective implementation of decisions to enhance the campaign’s impact. Geo-tagging, time stamping, and videography during drug seizures were also recommended to ensure accountability and success.
Amit Shah highlighted the broader implications of drug abuse, labelling it a societal cancer that destroys generations. He expressed concern over the seven percent of India’s population that reportedly uses drugs illegally, warning that inaction now could lead to irreversible damage.
Drawing examples from Western countries struggling with drug problems, Shah underlined the urgency of taking collective action.
Public awareness and education were also emphasised as crucial components of the fight against drugs.
Shah urged state governments to collaborate with the education, social welfare, and health departments to spread awareness. He also advocated for the establishment of special NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) courts to expedite cases and ensure a 100% conviction rate.
Shah concluded by urging everyone to join the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' campaign wholeheartedly. He called for a united front, pledging that India would not allow drugs to infiltrate its borders or be exported illegally.
With a firm resolve, the Home Minister reiterated that a drug-free India is essential for the nation’s security, development, and the well-being of future generations.
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