Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Friday that the government will amend the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to close loopholes exploited by narco syndicates. Speaking at an event marking the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Shah highlighted the success achieved by law enforcement agencies in tackling the drug menace in India.
Key Announcements
Shah stated that the proposed amendments aim to strengthen the legal framework, making it harder for drug traffickers to evade prosecution. He noted that syndicates often exploit procedural gaps, and the changes will address these vulnerabilities. The minister did not provide a timeline for the introduction of the bill in Parliament.
Success in Anti-Narcotics Operations
The home minister cited significant seizures and arrests in recent months. According to official data, between 2020 and 2025, agencies confiscated over 1,50,000 kg of narcotics and arrested more than 1.2 lakh individuals under the NDPS Act. Shah credited these achievements to improved inter-agency coordination and the use of advanced surveillance technology.
Focus on Prevention and Rehabilitation
Shah emphasized that the government is not only targeting supply but also demand reduction. He announced the expansion of de-addiction centers and awareness campaigns in schools and colleges. “The war on drugs requires a multi-pronged approach: enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation,” he said.
International Cooperation
India has strengthened ties with countries in the Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent regions, leading to better intelligence sharing. Shah noted that joint operations with Myanmar and Afghanistan have disrupted several major smuggling routes.
The announcement comes amid concerns over the rising use of synthetic drugs among youth. The government plans to classify new psychoactive substances more swiftly under the NDPS Act.
