Calls for Ruthless Action Against Narco Syndicates, Seeks States’ Suggestions on Proposed Amendments; Highlights Massive Rise in Drug Seizures Since 2014
New Delhi, June 26 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that the Central Government will amend the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to eliminate legal loopholes being exploited by drug trafficking syndicates, while calling for a ruthless and coordinated crackdown against drug peddlers and suppliers across the country.
Addressing the 10th Apex-Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in New Delhi, Shah urged all states and Union Territories to submit their suggestions on the proposed amendments, which are being drafted by the Ministry of Finance to strengthen the legal framework against narcotics-related crimes.
Emphasising the need for a robust anti-drug strategy, the Home Minister said that all existing loopholes in the NDPS Act that are being misused by narco networks would be effectively plugged to ensure stricter enforcement and improved prosecution.
Highlighting the Centre’s intensified campaign against narcotics, Shah said the country’s enforcement agencies have achieved significant success in curbing the drug menace over the past decade.
He informed that between 2004 and 2014, agencies seized around 26 lakh kilograms of synthetic drugs, while from 2014 to 2026, the seizures increased to 1.18 crore kilograms, reflecting the government’s sustained efforts against drug trafficking.
The Home Minister further stated that the estimated value of drugs seized during 2004–2014 stood at around ₹40,000 crore, whereas the value of narcotics confiscated between 2014 and 2026 has reached nearly ₹1.84 lakh crore, indicating a substantial expansion in the scale and effectiveness of anti-narcotics operations.
Calling for seamless coordination among agencies, Shah directed all Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police to ensure real-time sharing of intelligence and crime-related information through digital platforms developed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
He said timely uploading of crime data would enable the Government of India to review cases effectively and provide states with necessary guidance and strategic inputs.
The Union Home Minister also stressed that NCORD meetings should not merely remain procedural exercises but must become result-oriented platforms focused on measurable outcomes.
“The number of meetings has certainly increased, but it is equally important to assess whether decisions taken are being effectively implemented, reviewed and analysed. Only serious and result-oriented efforts at the state level can ensure success in the fight against drugs,” Shah said.
Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to achieving a drug-free India, Shah called upon all states to strengthen inter-agency coordination, enhance enforcement mechanisms and intensify the nationwide campaign against narcotics. (KNC)
