Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, led a pivotal regional conference on ‘Drugs Smuggling and National Security’ in Delhi. The meeting, held via video conferencing, included the participation of Chief Ministers and Director Generals of Police (DGPs) from various states, underlining a unified front against the illicit drug trade.
The conference aimed to enhance the efforts of the states in combating the drug menace, with Shah urging officials to intensify crackdowns on illegal drug smuggling. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free India.
Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal, attending the conference from Sonipat district, delineated Haryana’s multifaceted strategy to dismantle the drug network in the state. Reasserting his government’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse, Lal illustrated the progress made in curtailing the drug trade in Haryana’s Nuh district. He revealed that a force of 500 policemen had been deployed to dismantle the local drug network, and a special anti-drug campaign was ongoing in the border villages.
The Chief Minister highlighted the formation of mission teams at various levels, from village to state, tasked with overseeing de-addiction and rehabilitation programs. These teams, comprised of village Sarpanches and other representatives, aim to solidify Haryana’s journey towards becoming a drug-free state. A toll-free anti-drug helpline (9050891508) was also launched to gather public information on drug activities, serving as an important resource for addicts and a crucial tool for disrupting the drug supply chain.
Lal shared that, over the past year, the state had registered 3824 FIRs, arresting 6000 individuals, including ten Nigerian suppliers. He revealed that assets worth Rs. 46 crore belonging to 71 individuals had been seized, and 40 sniffer dogs had been trained to aid in drug detection efforts.
To further enhance their capacity, eight new Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs) have been established across the state, with one already operational in Sirsa. These efforts are part of a broader state action plan that involves educating parents about drug abuse and employing software tools to catch culprits.
The state is also running 52 drug de-addiction centres and has destroyed narcotics worth Rs 9 crore in Rewari, Hisar, and Ambala districts. On June 26, 2023, narcotics worth Rs 100 crore were eliminated.
A mobile app, Sathi, was developed by the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau and Drug Administration Department to curtail the illegal sale of intoxicants at chemist stores. Lal concluded by mentioning the launch of the Raahgiri programmes, designed to raise awareness among the state’s youth about the perils of drug abuse.
This conference showcased India’s commitment to stemming the tide of drug abuse, demonstrating the nation’s resolve and coordinated effort to achieve a drug-free society. The strategies and initiatives outlined in the meeting will serve as critical guideposts for India’s fight against this societal menace.