Union Home Minister Amit Shah Chairs Regional Conference on Drug Trafficking and National Security, Launches Key Initiatives

New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, chaired a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ at Vigyan Bhavan today. Organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the conference focused on combating drug trafficking and its impact on national security, with a special emphasis on eight northern states and union territories.

Shah also launched the Drug Disposal Fortnight, inaugurated the new office complex of the NCB’s Bhopal Zonal Unit, and announced the extension of the MANAS-2 helpline to all 36 states and union territories, reinforcing the government’s commitment to eradicating the drug menace.

The conference witnessed participation from senior officials, including the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria, Lieutenant Governors, Chief Ministers of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, alongside senior officers from various ministries and law enforcement agencies.

In his address, Shah underscored the significant progress made in the fight against drugs. He highlighted that in 2024 alone, drugs worth ₹16,914 crore were seized, marking the highest value since independence. “Achieving a drug-free India is vital to realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047,” he stated, calling for unified and dedicated efforts from central and state governments, as well as relevant departments.

Key Announcements

1. Drug Disposal Fortnight:
   Shri Shah announced that one lakh kilograms of confiscated narcotics worth ₹8,600 crore will be destroyed over the next ten days, symbolizing the government’s relentless commitment to eliminating drugs.
2. MANAS-2 Helpline Expansion:
   The helpline, which has already assisted over 25,000 individuals, will now be accessible nationwide. Shri Shah urged state governments to actively promote the app and toll-free number, ensuring prompt and result-oriented actions on all cases.
3. Bhopal Zonal Unit Office:
   The inauguration of the new office in Bhopal aims to strengthen NCB’s operational capabilities in the region.

Shah highlighted the substantial increase in drug seizures, rising from 3.63 lakh kilograms between 2004-2014 to 24 lakh kilograms between 2014-2024, alongside a sevenfold rise in the value of destroyed drugs, from ₹8,150 crore to ₹56,861 crore. He attributed these achievements to the Modi government’s swift and strategic actions against drug networks.

He stressed that these figures reflect effective enforcement rather than an increase in drug use. “The entire ecosystem—public, judiciary, and law enforcement—is now responding positively to our efforts,” he noted.

Shah acknowledged modern challenges such as the use of the dark web, cryptocurrencies, online marketplaces, and drones in drug trafficking. He urged law enforcement agencies to adopt technical solutions and proactive measures to combat these threats effectively.

He also emphasized the importance of uncovering entire drug networks through comprehensive investigations, seizing assets linked to illicit activities, and expanding forensic capabilities at the state level.

Shah reiterated the need for a “Whole of Government” approach, urging all stakeholders to work collaboratively. He emphasized the importance of public awareness and community engagement, encouraging citizens to join the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ campaign.

“Drug abuse is not just a crime; it destroys generations. If we fail to act decisively now, the situation may become irreversible. A drug-free India is essential for our nation’s development and security,” Shah concluded.