Urgent Action Needed: Tackling the Drug Problem Requires Government Intervention
India is taking a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach to combat the drug problem, following recent seizures and warnings by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The government's strategy involves a zero-tolerance policy, strengthening law enforcement, targeting synthetic drugs, community involvement, regulatory reforms, and infrastructure strengthening.
The zero-tolerance stance towards drug trafficking and abuse has led to significant increases in seizures, arrests, and coordinated raids across the country. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is leading the fight, with expanded zonal and regional offices, over 1,400 personnel, and specialized Nar-K9 units for drug detection. High coordination is maintained through the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD), involving multiple agencies such as the Navy and state police.
The focus is on harmful synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, mephedrone, and hashish, which have severe health impacts. Operations have resulted in major drug busts offshore and on land.
The government aims to turn the drug fight into a Jan Andolan (mass movement) to spread awareness about drug abuse prevention among youth and the public. Regulatory reforms are also underway, with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) issuing new guidelines to streamline and enhance transparency and speed in drug and medical device approvals.
Under the centrally sponsored scheme Strengthening of States’ Drug Regulatory System (SSDRS), the government is upgrading state laboratories, building new drug testing labs, and improving drug control offices nationwide to monitor drug quality and compliance. Risk-based inspections of drug manufacturing and testing units are in place, coupled with legal actions against spurious and adulterated drug manufacturing and distribution to protect public health.
However, concerns remain about the drug problem's persistence, particularly in certain states, posing a threat to India's demographic dividend and youth population. The Union government and its agencies need to take action on a mission mode to address the drug problem, as further delays are not acceptable.
The drug mafia's tentacles have deeply infiltrated the country, posing a significant challenge to the government's efforts to combat drug trafficking. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has warned that there will be "no mercy for drug cartels." The government has formed several agencies to monitor drug-related issues, including a joint coordination committee, a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in states, and a special task force on Darknet and crypto currency.
Amit Shah has emphasized the need for turning words into action regarding the drug problem. His statements come in response to a massive haul of chemical drugs in Assam and indicate the urgent need for immediate action from the Union government and the entire government machinery. The drug problem in India requires a collective effort to protect the country's youth and preserve its demographic dividend.
- The government's crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse, led by the Narcotics Control Bureau, has expanded to include a focus on general-news related to drug-related crimes and justice issues.
- With the drug mafia's deep infiltration across the country, it has become essential to mobilize politics and public opinion for a Jan Andolan (mass movement) to combat the drug problem and protect India's youth, as warned by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
