Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the Centre’s determination to protect the country’s youth from the growing threat of narcotics. He stressed that alongside cracking down on drug syndicates, the government is equally focused on supporting individuals struggling with addiction through treatment and rehabilitation.

In a message shared on social media platform X, Shah praised those engaged in the fight against drug abuse and highlighted the government’s efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that India has intensified its campaign against drug trafficking by targeting criminal networks while ensuring that people affected by substance abuse receive care and support. Calling for stronger public participation, Shah urged citizens to renew their commitment to safeguarding younger generations from the dangers of drugs and to work collectively toward the vision of a drug-free nation.

As part of the observance, the Home Minister is scheduled to chair the 10th apex-level meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD). During the event, he will also unveil the Vision Document on Narcotics Control for 2026–2029, which is expected to serve as a strategic framework for the country’s anti-drug efforts over the next three years. Organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau, the meeting will bring together representatives from 44 central ministries and departments, as well as over 100 officials from state governments and law-enforcement agencies. The gathering aims to strengthen coordination among stakeholders involved in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the newly released vision document has been prepared through extensive consultations with government departments, enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders. It outlines a comprehensive strategy addressing drug demand reduction, supply control, and harm-reduction measures.

The roadmap emphasizes a network-based enforcement model and includes plans to tackle emerging challenges such as synthetic drugs and darknet-enabled trafficking. It also focuses on preventing drug use among youth, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation facilities, and improving cooperation between agencies nationwide.

Officials say the document will guide policy decisions, implementation efforts, and institutional reforms aimed at curbing the drug menace across India. Authorities will conduct a nationwide drug disposal campaign over the coming fortnight. During this period, central and state agencies are expected to destroy approximately 2,09,500 kilograms of seized narcotics with an estimated value of around Rs 6,000 crore, following legal procedures.

Observed every year on June 26, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and to strengthen global action against the illegal drug trade. The observance has been marked since 1989 and commemorates the efforts of Chinese statesman Lin Zexu, whose campaign against the opium trade in 1839 became a significant historical milestone in the fight against narcotics.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.