India plans a three-year nationwide campaign against narcotics starting March 31

The Hindu
The Hindu
2h ago
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a three-year nationwide campaign starting March 31 to crack down on narcotics and pursue a drug-free India.
India plans a three-year nationwide campaign against narcotics starting March 31
A What happened
Amit Shah announced a three-year nationwide campaign against narcotics starting March 31, with defined methodology, set targets, and time-bound reviews. He directed Central government departments to prepare a roadmap by March 31, establish a monitoring mechanism, and focus on a comprehensive solution to the drug problem. He virtually inaugurated a Narcotics Control Bureau office in Amritsar and appealed to State DGPs to prepare State roadmaps and take steps for timely destruction of drugs. Shah cited seizure and crop-destruction figures and said dark web, crypto, and drones have emerged as challenges in drug trafficking.

Key insights

  • 1

    Three-pronged approach outlined for drug control: Shah said a collective ruthless approach toward the drug supply chain, a strategic approach toward demand reduction, and a humane approach toward harm reduction are needed to achieve a drug-free India.

  • 2

    Accountability and outcomes emphasized: Shah said outcomes of meetings should be reviewed and assessments should include strict action against kingpins, financiers, and logistics routes, plus targets on FSL use, chargesheets, and convictions.

  • 3

    Technology-enabled trafficking cited as a challenge: Shah said the dark web, crypto, and drones have emerged as challenges in drug trafficking.

Takeaways

A three-year nationwide anti-narcotics campaign is set to begin on March 31 with roadmaps, monitoring, and time-bound reviews directed across Central and State agencies.

Topics

World & Politics Policy & Regulation Security & Defense Law & Public Safety Crime & Justice Law Enforcement Public Safety

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