Amit Shah Announces Nationwide Anti-Drug Campaign
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has unveiled a significant initiative targeting drug trafficking across India. This nationwide campaign, set to begin on March 31, 2026, aims to eliminate the drug menace through a well-structured, three-year action plan.
During his address at the 9th Apex-Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) on January 9, 2026, Shah emphasized the necessity of a collective approach to combat drug abuse. He stated that various agencies will establish targets and conduct regular reviews to ensure progress.
Background of the Campaign
The new campaign comes on the heels of an earlier deadline set by Shah to tackle Naxalism, which also ends on March 31. This strategic timing underscores the government’s commitment to addressing multiple security challenges simultaneously. With an increasing problem of drug-related offenses across the nation, the initiative has gained importance as authorities strive to protect the youth from the adverse effects of substance abuse.
Framework and Implementation Plans
Holistic Approach to Drug Abuse
Shah outlined a comprehensive strategy that will define methodologies for tackling drug supply and demand. He called for all departments to create a roadmap by the end of March, focusing on establishing effective monitoring mechanisms.
Emphasizing the need for a “collective ruthless approach,” Shah specified that no leniency should be shown toward those engaged in drug manufacturing or distribution. “Only continuous awareness can keep us safe,” he noted, stressing the importance of an ongoing educational campaign against drug abuse.
Narcotics Control Bureau Involvement
As part of the preparations for this initiative, Shah virtually inaugurated a new Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) office in Amritsar, a strategic location for countering drug trafficking. The NCB will play a crucial role in coordinating efforts across states and central agencies.
Shah emphasized that the agency should utilize forensic science laboratories effectively. He indicated that accelerating the filing of chargesheets and securing convictions would form critical components of the campaign’s objectives.
Goals and Expected Outcomes
Over the next three years, the campaign aims to comprehensively tackle drug-related challenges. This involves not just law enforcement, but also community-based strategies designed to minimize demand and reduce harm among victims of drug addiction.
The Home Minister inscribed the campaign’s ultimate goal as making India drug-free. Shah remarked, “To create such an India, it is the responsibility of all of us to protect the young generation from drugs.”
Statistics and Previous Achievements
Shah highlighted the effectiveness of previous anti-drug initiatives under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. From 2014 to 2025, the country witnessed a drastic increase in drug seizures, amounting to 1.11 lakh kg, valued at ₹1.71 lakh crore, compared to 26 lakh kg worth ₹40,000 crore between 2004 and 2013.
Highlighting previous successes, he mentioned that land used for opium crops decreased significantly by destroying the crops from 10,770 acres in 2020 to 40,000 acres by November 2025.
Challenges and Strategies Ahead
Shah recognized that the challenges in combating drug trafficking are continually evolving. Emerging threats such as the dark web, cryptocurrencies, and drones complicate enforcement efforts. He acknowledged the need for agile strategies to address these new fronts in drug trafficking.
Structural Improvements in NCORD
The NCORD mechanism was revamped in 2016 to enhance inter-agency coordination. It features a four-tier system that includes apex-level committees, ensuring that control measures are extended down to district-level enforcement.
According to the official statement, this structural framework will enable better monitoring, ensuring that anti-drug measures are uniformly implemented across the nation.
Community Involvement and Awareness
The campaign will also focus on building awareness, as Shah pointed out, “Only continuous awareness can keep us safe.” The government seeks to engage civil society and stakeholders to raise public consciousness about the dangers of drug abuse.
This initiative will not only provide a structured approach to tackling drugs but also aims to foster community resilience against the drug culture. The plan will include educational programs aimed at young people to inform them about the risks associated with drug use.
Next Steps and Future Directions
As the deadline of March 31 approaches, all relevant departments must finalize their roadmaps to ensure a smooth launch of the campaign. Key directors general of police (DGPs) have been urged to take concrete steps for the timely eradication of drugs from their jurisdictions.
Shah’s call for a collaborative spirit emphasizes the need for all sectors—governmental and non-governmental—to come together. This united front is essential for combating what he described as a conspiratorial attempt to ruin future generations.
Conclusion
The upcoming anti-drug campaign represents a long-term commitment from the Indian government aimed at transforming the landscape of drug enforcement in the country. With robust structures, regular reviews, and a focus on both education and enforcement, the initiative aspires to pave the way for a drug-free nation.
As officials prepare for this extensive campaign, the nation’s commitment to protecting its youth and societal health remains paramount. Shah concluded by reiterating India’s ambition to become a leader globally by 2047, emphasizing that a drug-free nation is vital to achieving this vision.