Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a firm commitment that the government led by Narendra Modi is determined to eliminate the drug problem in India.
He emphasized that the importation of illegal drugs into the country will not be tolerated.
In a video address on the International Day against Drug Abuse, Mr. Shah said that the Home Ministry had instituted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and that its results could already be seen.
We have determined that we would not let any form of drug trade in India or the smuggling of drugs via India, Mr. Shah said.
With concerted efforts, Shah continued, “I am confident that we will be able to end the drug pandemic and realize our goal of a drug-free India. We will not stop fighting until the battle on drugs is won.
The fight against drugs has continued, and because of this concerted effort, drugs worth $22,000 crore were confiscated between 2014 and 2022.
He noted that this amount is 30 times greater than the drugs worth Rs. 768 crore that were confiscated between 2006 and 2013.
He claimed that from 1,257 cases between 2006 and 2013 to 3,544 cases between 2014 and 2022, there has been an 181% increase in cases against drug dealers.
In addition, he added, since June 2022, six lakh kilograms of drugs have been eliminated in the nation.
This shows the Modi administration’s dedication to making India drug-free, Shah remarked.
Triumphs against drugs in India
The Modi administration’s cohesive approach to tackling the drug trade has yielded remarkable success, as stated by the Home Minister.
The “whole of government” strategy, involving close collaboration among various branches of the government to formulate effective laws, has been instrumental in achieving these positive outcomes.
The fight against drugs has continued in all notable organizations, including the Narcotics Control Bureau. He added.
According to Mr Shah, the home ministry has been working hard to create a drug-free India with the assistance of all relevant organisations and state governments, but this fight against drugs cannot be won without the support of the general public.
Mr Shah added that the National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD) and the Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) were both created by the Ministry in 2019 to intensify this effort.
The ANTF was also established within each State’s police department.
Shah’s anti-drug appeal
Mr. Shah appealed to stay away from drugs and to keep their families away from them throughout the event.
According to the home minister, drug usage hollows out society and the younger generation, and the earnings from the drug trade are used to undermine national security.
To protect our communities and the next generation, let’s join together as a society and wage the fight on drugs” Shah said
Anyone with knowledge of any drug trade anyplace should contact the security services, He added.
Drug-free solidarity
Drug misuse and illegal trafficking are still serious menace to people, families, and communities all across the world.
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed annually on June 26 to promote action and cooperation toward the goal of a world free from drug abuse to battle this problem.
The United Nations Office On Drug And Crime (UNODC) announced this year’s theme, “People First: stop stigma and Discrimination, strengthen prevention.”
This Theme aims to increase public awareness of the significance of treating drug users with respect and empathy, providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all, providing alternatives to punishment, prioritizing prevention, and leading with compassion.
By encouraging polite and non-judgmental language and attitudes, the campaign also attempts to combat stigma and discrimination against drug users, according to the UNODC.
