Bengaluru (Aryavarth): Union Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged the determination of the Narendra Modi government to eliminate the menace of drugs from India and prevent the smuggling of narcotics through the country. In a video message on the International Day Against Drug Abuse, Shah highlighted the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics by the Ministry of Home Affairs, with early signs of progress already evident.
Shah emphasized, “We have decided that we will not allow any kind of narcotics trade in India, nor will we allow any drugs to be smuggled through India.” He expressed full confidence that through coordinated efforts, the government will succeed in eradicating the drug menace and achieve the vision of a drugs-free India. Shah emphasized the unwavering commitment of the government in this fight against drugs.
The relentless war against drugs has already yielded significant results, according to Shah. He cited the coordinated action that led to the seizure of narcotics worth Rs 22,000 crore between 2014 and 2022. This figure stands at 30 times the value of drugs seized between 2006 and 2013, amounting to Rs 768 crore. Additionally, the number of cases against drug peddlers has seen a substantial increase of 181 percent, rising from 1,257 cases in the earlier period to 3,544 cases between 2014 and 2022.
Shah also highlighted the destruction of six lakh kilograms of drugs since June 2022, reflecting the Modi government’s unwavering commitment to a drug-free India.
Shah underscored the importance of public participation in this campaign and emphasized the role of citizens in providing information to security agencies about any drug trade activities. To enhance the effectiveness of the campaign, the Ministry established the National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD) in 2019 and formed the Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in the police departments of every state.
On this occasion, Shah appealed to all citizens to refrain from using drugs and to keep their families away from such harmful substances. He warned that drugs not only erode the younger generation and society but also pose a threat to national security, as profits from the drug trade are often misused.
The fight against drugs requires collective action, and Shah urged individuals to report any information related to drug trafficking to the security agencies. By joining forces and fostering a society free from drugs, India can pave the way for a brighter and safer future.