Why in news?
Chairing a regional conference on 'Drug Trafficking and National Security', Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged states, UTs, and agencies to take strict legal action against illegal drug labs with a ruthless approach to combat drug trafficking.
The conference was organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau. The aim of this conference was to focus on tackling the growing concern of drug trafficking and its impact on national security, with a special focus on eight states and union territories of northern India.
What’s in today’s article?
- Key highlights of the regional conference on 'Drug Trafficking and National Security'
- Fight against drug menace – India’s regulatory framework
Key highlights of the regional conference on 'Drug Trafficking and National Security'
- Record Drug Seizures in 2024
- Narcotics worth Rs 16,914 crore were seized in 2024, the highest since Independence.
- The minister highlighted a seven-fold increase in drug seizures over the last decade, attributing it to the government’s decisive measures.
- Dark Web and Emerging Challenges
- Dark web, cryptocurrency, online marketplaces, and drones were identified as significant challenges in the fight against drug trafficking.
- The dark web is a small, encrypted portion of the deep web that's not visible to the general public using traditional search engines. It's also known as the darknet.
- One can't access the dark web using Google Search or browsers like Chrome or Safari. Instead,
- One needs to use software designed specifically for this purpose, such as Tor (The Onion Router) or I2P (Invisible Internet Project).
- In this context, the Minister stressed the need for technical solutions through collaboration between states, the Central government, and technocrats.
- Success Against Narco-Terrorism
- The government has dismantled numerous narco-terrorism networks in states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.
- These efforts have curbed terrorism linked to drug trafficking.
- Launch of Drug Disposal Fortnight
- The Union Minister inaugurated the Drug Disposal Fortnight (January 11–25), during which 1 lakh kg of narcotics worth Rs 8,600 crore will be destroyed.
- This initiative is part of a broader strategy to achieve a drug-free India by 2047.
- Three-Pronged Strategy for a Drug-Free India
- The Home Ministry’s plan includes:
- Strengthening institutional frameworks.
- Enhancing coordination among narcotics agencies.
- Launching public awareness campaigns.
- Seizures and Destruction of Drugs: A Decade in Review
- Between 2004-2014, 3.63 kg of drugs were seized, while in 2014-2024, the figure rose to 24 lakh kg—a seven-fold increase.
- The value of destroyed drugs increased from Rs 8,150 crore (2004-2014) to Rs 54,851 crore (2014-2024), marking an eight-fold rise.
- NCB's Initiatives and Expansion
- Shah inaugurated the NCB Bhopal Zonal Unit office and extended the MANAS-2 helpline to all 36 states and UTs.
- The regional conference, organized by the NCB, aims to strengthen the national response to drug trafficking and its impact on security.
- Youth and National Development
- The Home Minister emphasized the importance of combating drug addiction among youth, stating, "No country can progress if its young generation is suffering from drug addiction."
- He urged collective efforts to address this challenge.
- Vision for a Drug-Free India
- The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is critical to achieving a drug-free India, aligned with PM Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047.
- Collective responsibility and dedication are essential to eradicate this menace and safeguard the nation’s future generations.
Fight against drug menace – India’s regulatory framework
- Article 47 of the Indian Constitution
- The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is based on the Directive Principles, contained in Article 47 of the Indian Constitution.
- The Article directs the State to endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drugs injurious to health.
- Signatory to international conventions
- India is a signatory to:
- the single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, the Conventions on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 and
- the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.
- Existing Laws
- The broad legislative policy is contained in the three Central Acts:
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940,
- The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and
- The Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.
- Institutions involved
- The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) was created in 1986 as a nodal agency to fight against this menace.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) are involved with alcohol and drug demand reduction policies and drug de-addiction programme.
- In order to prevent misuse of dual-use drugs, a permanent inter-ministerial committee has been formed with the ministry of health and family welfare and the ministry of chemicals.
- Technological intervention
- The NCORD portal has been launched as an effective mechanism for information exchange between various institutions/agencies.
- A toll-free helpline called MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra) with the number 1933 has been launched.
- Other measures
- The government aims to achieve drug-free India by 2047 through a 3 points strategy - strengthening of institutional structure, coordination among all narco agencies and extensive public awareness campaign.
- As part of this strategy a number of steps have been taken which includes:
- Establishment of a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in each state/UTs.
- High priority to Drug Disposal drive.
- Launch of NIDAAN Portal for Narco offenders.
- Creation of canine squads for drug detection.
- Strengthening the forensic capabilities.
- Establishment of Special NDPS Courts and Fast Track Courts.
- Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) for generating Awareness against drug Abuse.
