Amit Shah's big promise for a drug-free India: “Unless we attack the entire network…” | Latest news from India

The minister inaugurated the official opening of the zonal unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. He also chaired a review meeting on the drug situation in the state.

“If we fight the war on drugs in India with intensity, seriousness and a comprehensive strategy, we can win this battle. The illegal drug trade in India poses a serious threat to national security. The money earned from the illegal drug trade fuels terrorism and left-wing extremism and weakens the country's economy,” Shah was quoted as saying.

The meeting was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, Union Home Minister Govind Mohan, Director General of Indian Intelligence Tapan Deka, Director General of NCB and other senior officials.

ALSO READ: “Will rid India of Naxal violence by March 2026”: Amit Shah in Chhattisgarh

“Drugs weaken national security”: Shah

The minister said drugs were not only ruining the country's young generation but also weakening the country's national security.

“All should work together to promote zero tolerance policy towards drugs and implement Prime Minister Modi's resolution to create a drug-free India,” he added, pointing out that the central government will put an end to drug trafficking by setting up NCB offices in all states in collaboration with state governments.

Shah stressed the need to use scientific methods in investigating drug trafficking cases, while calling for a comprehensive approach and the ruthless dismantling of the entire drug network.

“If we do not attack the entire network, we will not be able to achieve the goal of a drug-free India,” he added.

Shah emphasized the four principles of “detecting drugs, destroying the network, arresting the offenders and rehabilitating the addict.”

The Home Minister said that a total of 1,250 cases were registered between 2004 and 2014, while in the ten years between 2014 and 2024, 4,150 cases were registered, an increase of 230%.

Between 2004 and 2014 there were a total of 1,360 arrests, but the number has now risen to 6,300, he added.