Amit Shah’s Strong Stand Against Drugs: New Measures and Achievements

New Delhi, July 18: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed agencies, police, and departments to adopt a ‘ruthless’ approach towards the drug supply chain. He emphasized preventing drugs from entering India and ensuring the country’s borders are not used for drug trafficking.

7th Apex Level Meeting of NCORD

Shah’s directives came during the 7th Apex Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Center (NCORD) in New Delhi. Chiefs of various central and state agencies, including the police, Narcotics Control Bureau, National Investigation Agency, and Central Armed Police Forces, attended the meeting.

Addressing Narco-Terror

Shah highlighted that the drug trade is linked to narco-terror, posing a serious threat to national security and weakening the economy. He noted that drug cartels engage in hawala transactions and tax evasion, making it a multi-layered crime that requires a harsh response.

Strategies and Goals

Shah urged agencies to focus on dismantling the drug network rather than targeting addicts. He stressed tracing every seized drug back to its origin and investigating large consignments to identify peddlers. He also called for the identification of illegal synthetic drug labs and ensuring no drugs enter or leave India.

Integrated Battle

Within the nation, Shah emphasized the need for an integrated battle against drugs, with NCORD meetings serving as decision-making and review forums. He suggested that each district set goals and review achievements, including tracking youth sent to rehabilitation centers and uncovering drug trade and economic offenses.

Information Sharing

Shah directed a shift from a ‘need-to-know’ to a ‘duty to share’ policy among agencies. He called for a ruthless approach to busting the drug supply chain, a strategic approach to demand reduction, and a human approach to harm reduction.

Achievements and New Initiatives

Shah highlighted the success of the government’s approach over the last five years, with drug seizures increasing from 1.52 lakh kgs (2004-2013) to 5.43 lakh kgs (2014-2024) and the value of drugs seized rising from Rs.5933 crore to over Rs.22,000 crore. He congratulated the agencies but noted that only 10% of the tasks have been completed.

Launch of MANAS Portal

At the event, Shah launched the MANAS (Madak Padarth Nisedh Asuchna Kendra) portal, inaugurated the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zonal Office in Srinagar, and released the NCB ‘Annual Report 2023’ and Compendium on ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’. MANAS aims to build capacity for narcotics control excellence.

Further Recommendations

Shah called for the formation of Joint Coordination Committees at the state level, strict reviews of financial investigations, and informing central finance ministry agencies. He urged states to allocate budget for narcotic forensics and highlighted the development of a cost-effective forensic narcotics testing kit by the Forensic Science University.