New Delhi, Jan 10: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will launch a nationwide drug disposal drive in New Delhi on Saturday.

 

Home Minister Shah will chair a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ in New Delhi organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

The conference aims to address the growing concern of drug trafficking and its impact on national security, with a special focus on eight states and Union Territories of North India.

 

During the event, Shah will launch the Drug Disposal Fortnight, inaugurate the new office complex of the NCB’s Bhopal zonal unit and extend the MANAS-2 helpline to all 28 states and eight Union Territories.

The conference will focus on the sharing of real-time information from the National Narcotics Helpline ‘MANAS’ portal with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of States and Union Territories, evaluating the progress of states in combating drug trafficking, and assessing the effectiveness of the Narcotics Coordination Mechanism (NCORD).

It will also address strengthening and enhancing the functionality of State Forensic Science Laboratories (SFSLs), utilising the NIDAAN database to bolster efforts against drug trafficking, implementing provisions of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, establishing special NDPS courts for the speedy trial of drug-related cases, and fostering a whole-of-government approach to ensure comprehensive collaboration among all agencies to combat drug trafficking and abuse effectively.

During the drug disposal fortnight starting from Saturday to January 25, 2025, a total of 44,792 kg of seized narcotics, whose international market value is Rs 2411 crore will be disposed of.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is implementing a three-pronged strategy to achieve a drug-free India by 2047.

This includes strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing coordination among narcotics agencies, and launching a massive public awareness campaign.

The Conference will be attended by the Governors, Lieutenant Governors, Chief Ministers, and senior officers from the eight participating states and UTs.

Senior officers from various ministries, departments, and law enforcement agencies will also attend the conference.