The Indian government has intensified its efforts to curb the illicit narcotics trade through a series of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing coordination among law enforcement agencies, strengthening border security, and promoting rehabilitation programs. These measures were outlined in a written response by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai, in the Lok Sabha.
A key component of the government’s strategy is the 4-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism, which ensures seamless cooperation among central and state drug law enforcement agencies. Additionally, an NCORD portal has been launched to centralize information related to drug law enforcement.
To oversee major narcotics-related investigations, a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), chaired by the Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), has been established. At the state level, Anti Narcotics Task Forces (ANTFs), headed by senior police officials, have been set up to ensure compliance with NCORD decisions.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was also empowered under the NDPS Act in 2020, allowing it to investigate cases related to narco-terrorism. Similarly, border security agencies, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and the Indian Coast Guard have been granted powers under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, to combat drug trafficking along international borders, railway routes, and coastal waters.
To counter narcotics smuggling through maritime routes, a Maritime Security Group has been set up within the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) to assess challenges and propose solutions. Additionally, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in collaboration with the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), has developed NIDAAN, a database tracking arrested NDPS offenders.
For public engagement, the National Narcotics Helpline (MANAS) has been introduced, operating as a 24×7 toll-free call center (1933) to log and address drug-related concerns via multiple communication channels, including SMS, chatbot, and email. It is integrated with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s (MoSJE) helpline (14446) for better outreach.
National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)
In addition to enforcement, the government has taken proactive steps to reduce substance abuse under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) has been extended to all districts across the country, having reached over 14 crore individuals, including 4.90 crore youth and 2.93 crore women.
The government has also set up 350 Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs), 46 Community-based Peer-Led Intervention (CPLI) Centers, 74 Outreach and Drop-in Centers (ODICs), 124 District De-addiction Centers (DDACs), and 125 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) to support individuals struggling with substance abuse.
To further enhance awareness, partnerships have been formed with spiritual organizations, including The Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris, ISKCON, and Sant Nirankari Mission, to promote mass awareness campaigns. A nationwide Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge was taken by over 3 crore people from two lakh institutions on August 12, 2024.
The government is also conducting national and regional conferences chaired by the Union Home Minister, involving Governors, Chief Ministers, and other state officials, to discuss measures for tackling drug abuse at the district level.
These comprehensive initiatives reflect the government’s strong commitment to addressing the narcotics menace in India, combining law enforcement, border security, public engagement, and rehabilitation to create a multi-pronged approach against drug trafficking and abuse.
