NEW DELHI: In a major escalation of the government’s anti-drug strategy, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced a nationwide three-year “war on drugs” beginning March 31, describing the narcotics problem as “narco-terrorism” rather than merely a law-and-order issue.
Chairing a meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) at Vigyan Bhawan, Shah said the drug trade was a strategic conspiracy aimed at “destroying the country’s future generations” and called for a coordinated, mission-mode response across government agencies.
He directed all departments to finalise a comprehensive “Drug-Free India” roadmap extending to 2029, saying the period ahead was critical as India prepares for the centenary of its Independence in 2047. The objective, he said, is to safeguard the health and potential of the nation’s youth.
Seizures surge, technology to play bigger role
Shah said drug seizures between 2014 and 2025 were valued at more than Rs 1.71 lakh crore, compared with about Rs 40,000 crore in the previous decade. To build on this, the home ministry will mandate wider use of artificial intelligence and advanced forensic tools to improve conviction rates and track sophisticated methods, including digital payment systems used by international cartels.
Three-pronged strategy
The minister outlined a three-part approach for 2026–2029:
- Strict crackdown on traffickers and manufacturers
- Demand reduction through awareness campaigns
- Humane, medical-first approach towards people struggling with addiction
“There should be no leniency for those who manufacture and sell drugs, but compassion must be shown to those who have fallen into addiction,” Shah said, drawing a clear distinction between offenders and victims.
Focus on networks, finance and technology
Shah asked state police chiefs to operate in “mission mode” and create permanent specialised units to strengthen intelligence sharing and coordinate drug destruction. He also called for deeper integration of Forensic Science Laboratories into investigations to ensure faster chargesheets and stronger prosecutions.
Officials discussed growing challenges posed by darknet drug markets and the misuse of cryptocurrency. Shah said combating such threats would require advanced technological interventions, including darknet analysis tools and machine-learning systems to trace anonymous transactions.
A key focus of the meeting was dismantling the financial backbone of narco-terror networks. Participants discussed a “360-degree investigation” model combining conventional policing with forensic financial scrutiny to target hawala channels and freeze assets linked to the drug trade.
