In a determined move to combat the escalating threat of drug trafficking and substance abuse, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the ninth apex-level meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in New Delhi on Friday. The meeting served as a platform to review and fortify India's strategy against narcotics, emphasizing the need for a coordinated national push to dismantle drug networks and protect future generations.
Shah announced the government's plan to launch a comprehensive nationwide campaign against drugs starting March 31, 2026, spanning three years. This initiative will involve multi-pronged action, aiming to accelerate efforts towards making India drug-free. He directed all central government departments to prepare a roadmap extending up to 2029, complete with a robust monitoring mechanism, to address the drug problem comprehensively.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Shah characterized the drug challenge as closely linked to narco-terrorism, rather than a mere law-and-order issue. He stressed that drug abuse severely impacts the health, cognitive abilities, and overall performance of young people, further contributing to social unrest. Public outreach and sustained awareness efforts were deemed essential to prevent drug use.
The government's strategy rests on three core pillars: strict action to disrupt drug supply chains, strategic measures to reduce demand, and a humane approach to address harm among users. Shah made it clear that there would be no leniency towards those involved in manufacturing and selling drugs, while individuals who have started using drugs should be treated with sensitivity and offered support.
Shah underscored the importance of strengthening command, compliance, and accountability within the anti-narcotics framework, emphasizing that the focus should be on tangible outcomes and impactful results rather than simply the number of meetings held. He called for regular reviews of actions taken against drug kingpins, financiers, and logistics networks, along with efforts to improve conviction rates through the effective use of Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) and the timely filing of charge sheets.
The Home Minister's strong stance reflects the government's zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, aligning with the goal of achieving a drug-free India. This involves strengthening institutional structures, enhancing coordination among all narcotics agencies, and conducting extensive public awareness campaigns. The NCORD mechanism, formed in 2016 and strengthened in 2019, plays a crucial role in fostering better coordination between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the states.
In related news, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) recently dismantled a vast international drug trafficking syndicate operating across four continents. This operation, dubbed "Operation MED MAX," involved the use of cryptocurrency, encrypted messaging platforms, and anonymous shipping channels to traffic controlled pharmaceutical substances. Amit Shah lauded the NCB and associated agencies for this achievement, calling it a "stellar example of multi-agency coordination". The investigation, which began in May 2025, led to multiple arrests and seizures, highlighting the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and international collaboration.
