Amit Shah Stresses Urgent Action to Combat Drug Menace, Calls for Unified National Effort
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday underscored the pressing need for an uncompromising battle against drug trafficking and addiction to safeguard India’s future generations. Speaking at a regional conference on Drug Trafficking and National Security organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Shah emphasized a collaborative approach between the Centre and States to effectively tackle the growing menace.
Citing alarming statistics, Shah noted, “Seven percent of India’s population are drug addicts. If immediate action is not taken, the situation could spiral out of control in the next decade.” He warned of the devastating impact of drug addiction, which he said has the potential to decimate entire generations, as seen in other countries.
Key Measures and Achievements
Reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, Shah announced a nationwide drug disposal fortnight from January 11 to 25, during which 44,792 kilograms of seized narcotics worth ₹2,411 crore will be incinerated. He highlighted that since 2014, enforcement agencies have seized 24 lakh kilograms of drugs valued at ₹56,000 crore, underscoring the administration’s crackdown on drug networks.
Shah dismissed claims that drug consumption has risen, explaining that higher seizure figures reflect the success of law enforcement agencies in dismantling trafficking operations.
Strategies for Enhanced Enforcement
The Home Minister called for stronger investigations and financial probes to dismantle drug syndicates and narco-terrorism networks. He urged the states to adopt advanced technologies, such as geo-tagging, videography, and real-time data sharing through platforms like the MANAS portal and the NIDAAN database, to bolster anti-drug operations.
Shah also highlighted gaps in the enforcement infrastructure, pointing out the absence of special NDPS courts in many states. He urged states to introduce flexible rules, enhance training for NCB officials, and ensure swift prosecution of offenders.
Rehabilitation and Prevention
While advocating a tough stance against traffickers, Shah emphasized the need for a compassionate approach toward drug addicts. “Addicts are victims of a larger issue and must be rehabilitated to reintegrate into society,” he stated.
He called on state governments to ruthlessly target drug peddlers, seize their properties under the PIT-NDPS Act, and conduct regular district-level evaluations to achieve drug-free zones. Shah also stressed the importance of Chief Ministers and DGPs ensuring actionable outcomes from anti-drug strategy meetings.
Vision for a Drug-Free India
Shah reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free India by 2047, outlining a three-pronged strategy by the Ministry of Home Affairs: strengthening institutional frameworks, improving inter-agency coordination, and launching public awareness campaigns under the Nasha Mukt Bharat initiative.
“India is resolute in preventing even a single kilogram of drugs from crossing its borders. This requires comprehensive investigations, dismantling trafficking networks, and unwavering coordination among enforcement agencies,” Shah concluded.
The conference highlighted the government’s steadfast commitment to protecting the youth and ensuring a drug-free future for the nation.
