NextFin news, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday addressed the Second National Conference of Heads of Anti-Narcotics Task Force of States and Union Territories in New Delhi, urging a ruthless and united approach to combat the drug menace nationwide.
Shah emphasized the need to dismantle the entire supply chain of narcotics, targeting three types of drug cartels: those operating at the country's entry points, those distributing drugs from entry points to states, and those selling drugs at local shops. He called for a "big blow" to these cartels through coordinated efforts by anti-narcotic agencies.
He outlined a three-pronged strategy involving a ruthless crackdown on supply chains, a strategic approach to reducing demand, and a humane approach to harm reduction. Shah highlighted the rise of illegal drug labs despite progress and stressed that eliminating these labs is crucial for encouraging drug users to seek medical rehabilitation.
Shah also urged states to establish narcotics-focused forensic laboratories within existing forensic labs to expedite drug testing and prevent traffickers from obtaining bail easily. He called for the deportation and extradition of drug traffickers operating from abroad to face legal action in India.
Further, Shah instructed Anti Narcotic Task Forces to hold regular district-level meetings involving police, educators, religious leaders, and youth organizations to sensitize communities and strengthen the fight against drugs.
He stressed that the fight against narcotics is a collective responsibility and that officers must adopt the mindset that "this fight is our fight" to achieve more successes in the coming days.
The conference in New Delhi on Tuesday marks a significant step in the Modi government's commitment to eradicating drug abuse and trafficking across India by 2047, aiming to protect youth and secure the nation from the harms of narcotics.
These details were reported by Deccan Herald and corroborated by The Hans India and Daijiworld on the same day.
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