New Delhi, Jan 11 (KNO): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the law enforcing agencies in recent times have successfully eliminated many narco-terrorism networks across the country.
Chairing a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ here, Shah, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “Many cases of narco-terrorism were busted in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh and these were major achievements.”
He said that the local police of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, along with central agencies, uncovered several cases of narco-terrorism. “Instead of being satisfied with these successes, we need to work with even more speed and enthusiasm,” the Union Home Minister said.
Shah emphasized that regional conferences have played a pivotal role in strengthening the nation's fight against drugs. He highlighted that in 2024, the NCB and police forces across India seized drugs valued at Rs 16,914 crore—the highest figure since independence—indicating significant progress in the campaign against this menace.
He stressed the importance of timely policies, enhanced intensity, meticulous micro-planning, and consistent monitoring to address the challenges ahead.
He underscored that achieving a drug-free India is crucial to realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a fully developed India by 2047. He called for unified efforts, urging both the union and state governments, along with all relevant departments, to work collaboratively with dedication and commitment to eradicate this evil. He said that we are determined to destroy the entire ecosystem of narco terror.
‘DRUG DISPOSAL FORTNIGHT’
The Union Home Minister announced the launch of ‘Drug Disposal Fortnight’ dedicated to the destruction of confiscated narcotics. As part of this campaign, one lakh kilograms of narcotics valued at approximately Rs 8,600 crore will be destroyed over the next ten days, sending a powerful message to the public about the government’s commitment to eradicating drugs. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive, 360-degree "Whole of Government" approach to achieve total victory in the fight against drugs.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the fight against drugs has strengthened a lot in the past 10 years and it has yielded very good results. He mentioned that we are very close to success in this battle, and are moving in the right direction.
Shah said that between 2004 and 2014, 3.63 lakh kilograms of drugs were seized, which increased sevenfold to 24 lakh kilograms in 10 years from 2014 to 2024, which is a huge achievement. “It is an example that the public, the courts, and the entire ecosystem, down to the grassroots level, are responding positively to our efforts,” he added.
Shah said the value of drugs destroyed in the 10 years between 2004 and 2014 was Rs 8,150 crore, which has increased seven-fold to Rs 56,861 crore in the last 10 years. The Home Minister said that this should not be interpreted as an increase in drug usage, but rather that action is now being taken and results are being achieved.
He stated that the government led by PM Modi has worked at a rapid pace to destroy drugs, uncover the networks, and bring the entire ecosystem under the grip of the law.
Inaugurates regional unit in Bhopal
He also inaugurated the regional unit in Bhopal and dedicated the extension of the MANAS-2 helpline across 36 states and union territories. He urged all states to actively promote the MANAS app and toll-free number, emphasizing the importance of prompt, result-oriented action on every call to enhance the helpline’s credibility. He noted that over 25,000 people have already engaged with the helpline and stressed the need for swift action on every call to ensure its effectiveness. Shah reiterated that only through collective responsibility and dedicated efforts, the goal of a drug-free India can be realized.
The Union Home Minister said that we have made several changes in investigations, not only exposing drugs but also uncovering the terrorism networks associated with them.
DARK WEB, CRYPTO-CURRENCY, ONLINE MARKETPLACES, DRONES CONTINUES TO POSE CHALLENGE
Shah stated that the use of the dark web, crypto-currency, online marketplaces, and drones continues to pose a challenge for us. He said that all agencies should strengthen the resolve for a drug-free India by stopping drug smuggling through the dark web, crypto-currency, and drones.
Shah said that for the success of the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ campaign, technical solutions to these challenges must be found by our agencies, state governments, and the youth involved in this field; only then this fight could be result-oriented. He mentioned that India is one of the largest producers of precursor chemicals, which is a concern in the fight against drugs. When strict measures are taken against traditional drugs, a natural diversion towards chemical drugs occurs. He added that at least 50 illegal labs have been caught across the country, which shows that due to our strict actions, the demand for drugs has increased, and they are being diverted through different channels. He emphasized that we need to stop this diversion immediately. The Home Minister urged all states to destroy illegal clandestine labs with rigor and take legal action against them with a ruthless approach.
PM MODI LED GOVT MOVING FORWARD WITH RUTHLESS APPROACH
The Union Home Minister said that the PM Modi led government has changed its approach against drugs since 2019. He mentioned that the Modi government is moving forward with a ruthless approach against the drug supply chain, a strategic approach for demand reduction, and a human approach for the victims.
He also stated that we need to increase the use of PIT-NDPS (Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act). He emphasized the need to strategically and cautiously expand the use of legal provisions for asset confiscation. Amit Shah also urged states to take proactive steps to enhance the capacity of Forensic Labs (FSL) instead of relying solely on the Centre for support.
Shah stressed upon the importance of investigating drug cases using both ‘top-to-bottom’ and ‘bottom-to-top’ approaches. He highlighted that no narcotics case should be treated as an isolated incident, and investigations must continue until the entire network behind it is uncovered. He urged that each case should be seen as an opportunity to dismantle a broader network, ensuring the fight against drugs reaches its logical conclusion. Shah emphasized the critical role of financial investigations in tackling the drug trade, including seizing properties linked to illicit activities. He stated that no major case should be concluded without a thorough financial investigation.
ENSURE SUCCESS OF WHOLE OF GOVERNMENT APPROACH
The Union Home Minister emphasized that to ensure the success of the Whole of Government Approach, NCORD meetings must be conducted with greater vigilance, increased frequency, and a focus on achieving tangible results with full sensitivity. He urged all states to hold district-level NCORD meetings, highlighting that making one district drug-free could pave the way for a drug-free nation.
Shah stressed the importance of devising district-level strategies and establishing mechanisms to escalate cases systematically, which would significantly enhance the effectiveness of the campaign.
He called for moving beyond routine processes in NCORD meetings, urging organizers to take responsibility for ensuring actionable outcomes, effective decision-making, and the thorough implementation of resolutions.
He underscored the importance of incorporating geo-tagging, time stamping, and videography during seizures to ensure greater success in combating the menace of drugs. He also highlighted the Government of India’s efforts to develop an anti-drone system, urging the police forces of all border states to support this initiative by organizing hackathons and actively contributing to advancements in this area.
PUBLIC MOVEMENT AND AWARENESS AGAINST DRUGS IMPORTANT
The Union Home Minister said that a public movement and awareness against drugs are also important, and the education department, social welfare department, and health department should work should also work with promptness. He added that state government officials should make maximum use of the NIDAAN (National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco Offenders) portal. Along with this, we will also need to make changes in the rules and procedures as necessary for financial investigations, so that proper investigations can be conducted in such cases.
Shah said that the NCB should train all state government's narcotics units and prosecution teams to ensure a 100% conviction rate in drug cases. State governments must take the lead in establishing special NDPS courts so that delays in the action on registered cases do not hinder the fight against drugs.
7 PER CENT PEOPLE IN INDIA USE DRUGS ILLEGALLY
He said that 7 per cent people in India use drugs illegally. He stated that now is the time when we can all contribute to this fight and succeed in winning it. He added that if we miss this opportunity today, there will be no chance to reverse it later. He also mentioned that we have the example of several western countries where drugs have become a serious issue, and they have no solution to it.
The Union Home Minister said that often, people turn to drugs in desperation and end up ruining their lives. He stated that the illegal use of drugs is not just a crime, but it also destroys generations. The Home Minister emphasized that drug abuse is a cancer that destroys the nation's generations, and we must defeat it.
Shah reiterated that if we fail to overcome this problem now, we may not be able to reverse the situation in future. He mentioned that it will ruin our generations, and the country's potential will be harmed as well. He added that no country can move ahead in the race for development, achieve success, or remain secure with its youth entangled in drug abuse. The Home Minister said that everyone should join the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ campaign with sensitivity and depth of heart and take a pledge that neither will we allow drugs to come into the country nor will we allow them to go for illegal sale anywhere outside our country and we will all work together to make India drug-free—(KNO)