In a bold declaration from Panaji, Union Home Minister Amit Shah outlined a comprehensive national mission to purge India of narcotics by 2029. Speaking on September 6, 2026, he framed the fight against drugs not just as a law enforcement challenge, but as a cornerstone for achieving a developed nation by 2047.

Key facts

  • Target: Dismantle 100 national and international drug networks by March 2029
  • Extradite 100 fugitives linked to narcotics crimes
  • Destroy at least 75 secret drug laboratories in 2026
  • Assets worth ₹17,874 crore attached from fugitives since 2019

A Coordinated National Push

Shah emphasized that pre-2014 efforts were fragmented, often focused on low-level arrests. Now, the government has elevated narcotics control to a national security priority. The strategy hinges on the NCORD mechanism, established in 2019, which ensures coordination across executive, state, and district levels. Dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Forces operate in every state and union territory, weaving local police into a unified national front.

“It is Narendra Modi’s objective that drug-free youth power will lead to Viksit Bharat in 2047,” Shah stated, linking public health directly to national progress.

Beyond Enforcement: Awareness and Rehabilitation

The campaign isn’t solely about cracking down on supply. Shah highlighted integrated efforts in awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation. The government launched the 1933 MANAS helpline to support individuals battling addiction, signaling a shift toward harm reduction and community support. This four-pillar approach—enforcement, synthetic drug control, demand reduction, and capacity building—aims to attack the problem from all angles.

Broader Security Context

Shah connected the anti-drug drive to broader internal security successes, citing declines in terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, insurgency in the Northeast, and left-wing extremism. He noted that 11,000 armed youths have surrendered weapons since 2019, and Maoist influence has sharply diminished. The government’s assertive stance includes cybercrime mitigation, saving over ₹11,158 crore from fraudulent schemes, and implementing new criminal laws that have boosted conviction rates in states like Goa.