India's Commitment to Drug-Free Future

Key Highlights on Narcotics Control in India

Government Initiatives and Roadmap:

• Narcotics Control Roadmap (2026-2029): Launched under the vision of a 'Drug-Free India' by 2029, focusing on four pillars:
  1. Intelligence and Operation-Based Enforcement
  2. Control of Precursors and Synthetic Drugs
  3. Demand and Harm Reduction
  4. Capacity Building and Coordination
• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Reorganization: Establishment of a national database for narcotics offenders through the NIDAAN portal.

Statistics on Drug Seizures:

• 2004-2014: ₹40,000 crore worth of 26 lakh kg drugs seized.
• 2014-2026: Seizures increased to over ₹1,89,000 crore with 1 crore 19 lakh kg drugs confiscated.
• Drug Destruction: 3,36,000 kg destroyed (2004-2014) vs. 48,68,000 kg destroyed (2014-2026).

Judicial and Law Enforcement Measures:

• Red Corner Notices: 401 issued in the last three years; 182 in 2026 alone.
• Fugitive Extraditions: 274 fugitives extradited from 36 countries since 2019, involved in severe crimes including narcotics.
• New Criminal Laws: Implementation of new criminal laws leading to a conviction rate of 53.2% in Goa, a 30% increase in conviction from previous years.

Social and Community Engagement:

• Volunteer Programs: 10,000 volunteers and 5,70,000 citizens rehabilitated under the drug-free initiative.
• Educational Campaigns: NCC, NSS, and My Bharat programs to create 'Nasha Mukti Mitr' (Drug-Free Friends) among youth.

International Cooperation:

• Agreements with 46 Countries: For collaborative efforts in narcotics control and extradition of offenders.

Future Goals and Commitments:

• Increase in Treatment Centers: Plans to triple the number of drug rehabilitation centers to 1,751.
• Anti-Narcotics Task Forces: Establishment of fully equipped task forces in each state by March 2027 with 7% central assistance.
• Holistic Approach to Drug Control: A quadrangular approach to curb drug trafficking through enhanced monitoring and inter-agency coordination.

Constitutional and Policy Framework:

• National Security Priority: Drug control marked as a national security issue by the Modi government.
• Collaborative Governance: Emphasis on cooperation between various ministries including Home Affairs, Health, Education, and Youth Affairs for a unified approach against drug abuse.

Technological and Scientific Advances:

• Cybercrime Monitoring: Establishment of a structured system to combat cybercrimes related to drug trafficking, with 1930 helpline for assistance.
• Use of Technology: Implementation of technology-based investigations against dark net and encrypted transactions related to narcotics.

Conclusion: The Indian government is intensifying its fight against narcotics through a comprehensive strategy that combines law enforcement, social rehabilitation, international cooperation, and technological advancements, aiming for a drug-free society by 2029.