Illegal drug trafficking is a global problem; India can fight it if it acts decisively and strategically: Shah | News from India

RAIPUR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the illegal Drug trafficking is not only a challenge for India, but also a global problemand stressed that the country can combat the threat if it acts decisively and strategically. The money earned through illegal drug trafficking will also be used for anti-national activities such as the spread terrorism And Naxalism and weaken the country's economy, he said.
Speaking at a conference on the drug-related situation in Chhattisgarh at a hotel in Nava Raipur, Shah stressed that success requires the application of four formulas: drug detection, destruction of the drug network, imprisonment of offenders and rehabilitation of addicts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to make the country drug-free by 2047, when the country's centenary of independence will be celebrated, and gradually this resolution has become the resolution of the country's 130 million people. “I believe that the resolution of a drug-free India is very important to create a prosperous, safe and glorious India,” Shah said.
The illegal drug trafficking is not only a challenge for India but also a global problem, he said, arguing for the need to raise awareness about this threat.
“This fight is at such a turning point that we can win it if we continue it with determination and strategy,” he said, warning that “several countries have lost their fight against it.”
The drug problem in India is not only a problem of illegal drugs, but it is also linked to national securityThe money earned through trade is not only aimed at destroying the youth but is also used for anti-national activities like spreading terrorism and Naxalism and weakening the country's economy, he said.
“It is also our national responsibility to make the country drug-free through a zero-tolerance policy,” he said.
Shah also expressed concern over the use of narcotics in Chhattisgarh.
He said the percentage of sedative consumption in Chhattisgarh was 1.45 per cent, higher than the national average. Chhattisgarh had reported ganja consumption at 4.98 per cent, which was higher than the national average of 2.83 per cent and a cause of concern, he said.
“Chhattisgarh borders seven states, including Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, from where drugs are smuggled. Chhattisgarh is also close to the Bay of Bengal and the coastal connectivity of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh creates a drug trafficking route,” he said.
Drug smugglers are changing the trend and switching from natural drugs to synthetic ones that cause maximum harm, Shah said.
He also stressed the need to focus on scientific research and take a comprehensive, top-down and bottom-up approach to dismantling the drug trafficking network.
“If a packet of drugs is found in a small shop, we must investigate where it came from and where it was manufactured. To uncover the background of this entire system, we must get into the habit of conducting investigations scientifically. We must take a top-down and bottom-up approach,” he said.
The Union Minister said all rehabilitation and detoxification centres should play a central role in the fight against the drug scourge.
“Anyone who consumes drugs is a victim of the system and anyone who deals in drugs is a criminal. It is against this background that we must take up the fight against drugs,” he said.
Stressing the need to strengthen the drug detection strategy, the Union Minister said cases have come to light of e-commerce platforms, drone deliveries and telehealth services being used in drug trafficking.
“Over the past decade, NCB's performance has improved significantly and the fight against drugs has become stronger. We have succeeded in bringing the fight to its logical conclusion, but much remains to be done,” he added.
Shah, who is on a three-day visit to the state, virtually inaugurated the zonal office of the Narcotics Control Bureau in Nava Raipur at the beginning of the meeting.
The zonal office will play a key role in controlling the illegal drug trade not only in Chhattisgarh but in the entire region. “We have set a target to set up an NCB in every state,” he said.
Among those present were Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and representatives of various ministries, the official said.