Amit Shah’s Ultimatum: Eradicate the Drug Scourge
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, presiding over the 7th apex-level Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting, has issued a stern ultimatum to law enforcement agencies: intensify efforts to dismantle drug smuggling syndicates and expose the entire network, not just the small-time peddlers and consumers.
The Spectre of Synthetic Drugs and Terrorism Nexus
Shah highlighted the alarming rise of synthetic drugs and their insidious connection to terrorism. He warned that drug money fuels a network of illicit activities, including hawala transactions and tax evasion, posing a grave threat to national security. The Minister emphasized the need for a multi-pronged approach, encompassing ruthless action against supply, strategic measures to reduce demand, and humane approaches to harm reduction.
MANAS: India’s 24/7 Drug Vigilance Network
In a major stride towards empowering citizens to join the fight against drugs, Shah launched a toll-free helpline called MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra) at 1933. This helpline, along with a dedicated web portal and mobile app, enables individuals to anonymously report drug-related activities to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The platform also offers resources for drug abuse prevention, de-addiction, and rehabilitation.
A Decade of Escalation: The Drug Menace Under Scrutiny
Shah presented a stark contrast in drug seizures over the past two decades. From 2004 to 2013, law enforcement agencies seized 1.52 lakh kg of drugs worth ₹5,933 crore. However, in the subsequent decade, from 2014 to 2023, the quantity seized skyrocketed to a staggering 5.43 lakh kg, with an estimated value exceeding ₹22,000 crore. This alarming escalation underscores the magnitude of the drug problem and the urgent need for decisive action.
From Need to Know to Duty to Share
In a paradigm shift, Shah urged all agencies to abandon the traditional “need to know” policy and embrace a “duty to share” approach. This entails seamless collaboration and information sharing among various law enforcement and intelligence agencies, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive response to the drug menace.
Summary:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared an all-out war on drug syndicates, emphasizing the need to target the entire supply chain, not just consumers. He launched a 24/7 helpline and web portal to facilitate anonymous reporting of drug-related activities and highlighted the alarming rise of synthetic drugs and their links to terrorism.
Key Takeaways:
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Crackdown on Drug Syndicates: | Amit Shah calls for ruthless action against the entire drug supply chain. |
| Synthetic Drugs and Terrorism Nexus: | Highlights the emerging threat of synthetic drugs and their connection to terrorism. |
| MANAS Helpline and Web Portal: | Launch of a 24/7 helpline, web portal, and mobile app for anonymous reporting of drug-related activity. |
| Escalation in Drug Seizures: | Comparison of drug seizures over two decades reveals a significant increase. |
| Duty to Share: | Urges agencies to move from a “need to know” to a “duty to share” approach in combating drug trafficking. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
