Drug-Free India: Amit Shah Sets Three-Year Target With Measurable Goals, Reviews

On Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Centre has set a three-year target to make India drug-free, outlining a roadmap that includes fixed timelines, measurable goals and regular reviews to strengthen the country’s fight against narcotics.

Addressing a press conference on the government’s anti-narcotics efforts, Shah said different Ministries had assigned responsibilities under the plan. The plan included quarterly reviews and outcome-based accountability to track progress.

The Minister highlighted the increase in the quantity and value of drugs seized over the past decade. He said the seizures totalled 26 lakh kg between 2004 and 2014. The figure rose to more than 1.19 crore kg between 2014 and 2026.

Shah said the value of the seized drugs rose from around Rs 40,000 crore during the 2004-2014 period to Rs 1.89 lakh crore between 2014 and 2026.

The Home Minister further said authorities destroyed 3.36 lakh kg of seized drugs between 2004 and 2014, while 48.66 lakh kg destroyed between 2014 and 2026.

Shah underlined the role of the Narco-Coordination (NCORD) mechanism in improving coordination between Central Ministries, state governments and enforcement agencies.

The mechanism focuses on areas including drug trafficking, diversion of precursor chemicals, demand reduction and rehabilitation. It operates at apex, executive, state and district levels to facilitate intelligence-sharing and coordinated action.

According to Shah, 10 apex NCORD meetings have been held so far to guide policy decisions, strengthen coordination and review the country’s narcotics control framework. He further said the fight against drug addiction required a collective effort to protect future generations and reiterated the commitment to build a drug-free India.

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