The government has launched a robust and coordinated response to combat drug abuse and illegal drug trade through the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction. This initiative aims to curb substance abuse while promoting preventive measures and rehabilitation across the nation.
Under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, over 147.9 million people, including 49.6 million youth and 29.7 million women, have been reached with awareness and support efforts through a network of more than 10,000 master volunteers. Rehabilitation services have been expanded with the operation of 350 Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts, which provide counseling, detoxification, and reintegration programs.
Further outreach includes 46 Peer-Led Intervention Centers focusing on at-risk children and adolescents and 74 Outreach and Drop-In Centers offering secure spaces for assessment, rehabilitation, and counseling. Addiction treatment has been bolstered by 142 facilities established in government hospitals and 124 District De-addiction Centers, which consolidate services from various programs. A toll-free helpline, 14446, has been set up to provide immediate assistance and counseling to those in need.
Preventive education initiatives include teacher training modules and sensitization sessions for students, parents, and educators. Programs like the Navchetna Modules aim to instill life skills and coping strategies in school-aged children to deter drug dependence.
On the enforcement front, a four-tier Narco-Coordination Center mechanism enhances collaboration between central and state agencies to combat drug trafficking. Every state and union territory now has an Anti-Narcotics Task Force to enforce laws and implement decisions. A Joint Coordination Committee under the Narcotics Control Bureau ensures oversight of major drug seizures, while the National Investigation Agency has been empowered to investigate narco-terrorism cases.
Border forces such as the Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, and Railway Protection Force have been authorized to conduct anti-trafficking operations. Maritime drug routes are closely monitored by a specialized group under the National Security Council Secretariat, while agreements with neighboring nations, including Myanmar, Iran, and Bangladesh, strengthen cross-border cooperation against drug trafficking.
India also engages with international organizations like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and collaborates with agencies such as the US Drug Enforcement Agency and Australian Federal Police for intelligence sharing and joint operations.
Through sustained efforts, the government aims to not only address the problem of substance abuse but also ensure the security and well-being of its citizens by tackling the multifaceted challenges of illegal drug trade and addiction.
