India unveils vision document to curb drug menace by 2029

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has presented a vision document aiming to curb the drug threat in the country by 2029. He said that drug traffickers and suppliers will be dealt with strictly, while victims will be treated with compassion. The Centre’s approach will follow a three-pronged strategy: detect, disrupt, and destroy drug trafficking networks. He also said that amendments to strengthen the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act are under consideration, and states will be able to give their feedback.

Calling drug abuse a serious threat to national security and the future of youth, Shah was speaking at the 10th meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre held at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi on the International Day Against Drug Abuse. The discussion also focused on controlling trade through the dark net.

States should cooperate
Shah stressed that control of synthetic drugs and awareness campaigns are very important. He said states must intensify efforts to bring back drug mafia leaders hiding in foreign countries. Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police have been asked to ensure that crime data is uploaded to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) portal. He also called for setting up more courts for faster trials.

1.18 crore kg of synthetic drugs seized
Since the Modi government came to power in 2014, a total of 1.18 crore kilograms of synthetic drugs have been seized. Drugs worth Rs 89,896 crore have been destroyed. A special “Drug Disposal Fortnight” campaign was also launched on Friday to destroy 2,09,500 kg of seized drugs worth around Rs 6,000 crore.