Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared a new, unwavering national mission to completely eliminate the drug menace from India. This ambitious pledge comes in the wake of a major security success against Naxalites, signaling the government's intent to apply similar determination to the narcotics crisis.
From Naxal Victory to a War on Drugs
Speaking at the 'Drugs Trafficking and National Security' conference in New Delhi, Shah drew a direct parallel between the two challenges. He highlighted the recent operation in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district on April 16, where security forces eliminated 29 Naxalites. The Home Minister framed this as proof that persistent strategy yields results.
"Just as we have adopted a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and Naxalism, in the same way, the Modi government is following a policy of zero tolerance against narcotics," Shah asserted. He emphasized that the fight against drugs is not just a law and order issue but a critical matter of national security and the future of the youth.
A Multi-Pronged National Strategy
The government's approach is being overhauled and intensified. Shah outlined a comprehensive plan focusing on destruction of the entire drug supply chain. A key element is the strengthening of the NCORD (Narco-Coordination Centre) mechanism. The Home Minister announced that the NCORD system will be revamped to ensure better coordination between central agencies and all states.
Furthermore, the government is taking a hard line on seizing the assets of drug traffickers. Shah directed agencies to ensure that the properties and wealth accumulated through this illegal trade are identified and confiscated aggressively. This financial blow is intended to cripple the economic foundations of drug networks.
The conference saw participation from top officials, including Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Director of the Intelligence Bureau Tapan Kumar Deka, and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Director General S N Pradhan, underscoring the seriousness of the initiative.
Quantifying the Threat and the Response
Shah presented data to illustrate the scale of the problem and the government's ongoing efforts. He revealed that over the past decade, authorities have seized narcotics worth more than Rs 1.2 lakh crore. In a significant crackdown, 1.25 lakh drug-related cases have been registered, leading to the arrest of 1.75 lakh individuals.
The Home Minister also stressed the importance of public participation and awareness. He called for a nationwide movement where communities, educational institutions, and families work together to prevent drug abuse. The strategy combines stringent enforcement with preventive social measures.
The government has destroyed over 1.44 lakh kilograms of seized drugs in the past two years alone, a clear signal of its intent to prevent recycled smuggling. Shah's message was clear: the momentum gained against security threats like Naxalism will now be channeled into a relentless, coordinated, and uncompromising campaign to make India drug-free.
