New Delhi: Union home minister and minister of cooperation Amit Shah on Monday lauded the progress made in India’s fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, saying that the value of seized drugs had surged almost 30 times, from ₹768 crore between 2006 and 2013 to an impressive ₹22,000 crore during 2014 to 2022.
Furthermore, there has been a substantial increase of 181% in the number of cases registered against drug peddlers compared to the earlier period.
Speaking on the occasion of the “International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,” Shah emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to combat the misuse of drugs. He said that the campaign against drugs is being conducted on a war footing at the national level through various forums, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated approach.
The ministry of home affairs has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards narcotics, yielding significant results. Shah highlighted the effectiveness of the “Whole of Government Approach,” which emphasizes coordination among different departments to enhance the impact of anti-drug measures.
Expressing his appreciation for organizations and individuals involved in the fight against drugs, Shah congratulated the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for organizing the nationwide ‘Nasha Mukt Pakhwada’ (Drug-Free Fortnight) on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Shah reiterated the government’s determination to eliminate narcotics trade within India and prevent the country from becoming a global conduit for drug trafficking. The Narcotics Control Bureau and other major agencies are actively engaged in this battle. In 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs established the National Coordination Centre (NCORD), and Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) was formed in police departments across all states to further strengthen the campaign against drugs. The first national conference of ANTF was held in April 2023 in Delhi.
Amit Shah said that the campaign against the misuse and side effects of drugs is being carried out on a war footing at the national level through appropriate forums.
“The effect of our comprehensive and coordinated fight against drugs is that where drugs worth Rs. 768 crore only were seized in 2006-13, it has increased almost 30 times to Rs.22,000 Crore in 2014-22. 181% more number of cases have been registered against drug peddlers in comparison to the earlier period. This shows the commitment of the Modi government towards a drug free India,” the minister said.
“We also launched a destruction campaign to prevent re-use of seized drugs in June 2022, under this campaign around 6 lakh kg of seized narcotics have been destroyed across the country so far,” he added.
Shah emphasized that the fight against drug abuse requires active participation from society. He urged citizens to distance themselves and their families from drugs and encouraged them to report any drug-related activities to security agencies. Shah underscored the negative impact of drugs on the youth and society, emphasizing that the proceeds from drug smuggling pose a threat to national security.
With collective efforts and resolute determination, Shah expressed confidence in overcoming the drug problem and achieving a “Drugs-free India.” He commended the Narcotics Control Bureau and other institutions for their invaluable contributions and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to winning the battle against drugs.
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Updated: 26 Jun 2023, 02:39 PM IST