India's Government Aims to Eradicate Drug Trade by 2029

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has announced a bold initiative to eradicate the drug trade in India by the year 2029. Speaking at the third National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force Heads in New Delhi, Shah stated that this effort is critical to combatting narcotics, which he described as a significant threat not only to India but also globally. He emphasised the importance of making decisive moves to dismantle drug networks and enhance the welfare of the nation’s youth.

The conference aims to establish a clear roadmap towards a drug-free India, which aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed Bharat by 2047. In his address, Shah outlined how India must shift its approach from merely seizing drugs to dismantling the entire network that supports the drug trade. He stated, "We must transition from Meeting to Mission, from Reporting to Result." Shah urged officials to focus on concrete outcomes rather than just statistics.

To facilitate these efforts, districts are to be designated as the primary units in combating drug trafficking. The campaign will also include initiatives to increase awareness among young people, with 'Nashamukt Mitras' expected to visit ten lakh schools, colleges, and institutions across the country.

Shah stressed the need for comprehensive investigations that cover both financial aspects and the digital footprint of drug operations. He outlined a strategy to confront drug cartels at multiple levels, including entry points, interstate distribution systems, and local networks.

The Minister elaborated on the necessity to deport foreign nationals involved in drug trafficking and to ensure they are blacklisted from entering India again. Additionally, he called for efforts to apprehend fugitives supplying drugs from abroad and bringing them before Indian courts.

As part of this initiative, Shah also launched a new website for the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and introduced four television commercials aimed at raising public awareness about drug abuse. He laid the foundation stones for new zonal offices of the NCB in both Lucknow and Dehradun, highlighting the government’s commitment to tackling drug-related issues.

The two-day conference gathered heads of Anti-Narcotics Task Forces from 36 states and union territories, providing a platform to discuss the targets established in the latest Vision Document on Narcotics Control, which sets ambitious goals for the years 2026-2029. The themes of the conference, such as 'United Resolve' and 'Shared Responsibility,' underscore a collective approach to safeguard future generations from the peril of drugs.