Centre & states must unite to combat drug trafficking: Amit Shah

Srinagar, Jan 11:Emphasising the need to dismantle drug trafficking nexus in the country, the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah on Saturday said that the cooperation between the Centre and the states is must to fight the growing drug menace across India.
He made these remarks during a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security,’ held to discuss the rising threat of drug trafficking and its impact on national security, especially in eight northern states and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Shah expressed a firm commitment to eradicating the issue of drug menace , vowing that no narcotics would either enter or exit India. He highlighted that in 2024 alone, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and police across the country seized drugs worth ₹16,914 crore, marking the most significant action against narcotics to date. This, he said, was a major step in the nation’s goal of a drug-free society.
“No country can progress while its youth suffer from drug addiction. It is our collective responsibility to fight this challenge and ensure that we win this battle,” Shah remarked. He called for continuous efforts and strict measures to curb the illicit drug trade, acknowledging the increasing use of the dark web, cryptocurrency, online marketplaces, and drones in facilitating drug trafficking. These emerging threats, according to him, need to be tackled with enhanced vigilance and stricter enforcement.
The Home Minister also pointed out the alarming growth in drug seizures over the past decade. From 2004 to 2014, authorities seized 3.63 lakh kg of drugs, but in the subsequent decade (2014-2024), the amount surged to 24 lakh kg, a remarkable seven-fold increase. Similarly, the value of destroyed drugs also rose significantly. While ₹8,150 crore worth of drugs were disposed of in the first decade, in the latter half, the value soared to ₹54,851 crore, reflecting an eight-fold increase in efforts to combat drug abuse.
This increase in seizures and drug disposal, Shah said, is a clear indication that the country’s fight against drug trafficking and abuse has grown stronger, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The fight against drugs has become much more robust in the last 10 years. We are moving in the right direction, and we are very close to success,” Shah said, stressing that the government’s strategic approach was making a real difference in the fight against the drug menace.
Shah also acknowledged the role of regional conferences, which have become an annual routine. These meetings allow the Centre to review the situation, share updates, and discuss new strategies with the states. He mentioned that after every conference, the Home Ministry formulates fresh strategies, which are then shared with the respective states to ensure effective action.
In his address, Amit Shah also shed light on the broader impact of drug trafficking on the nation, pointing out that drugs not only fuel crime and violence but also undermine public health, with younger generations being the most vulnerable. He urged all the stakeholders involved to work together to protect the future of India’s youth and secure the nation from the devastating effects of drug abuse.
Shah’s call for stronger, united efforts resonated with the attendees, reinforcing the critical importance of a collaborative approach in tackling this growing national crisis.