Source: THE HINDU

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Context:

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chairs the 7th Apex Level Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) Meeting, in New Delhi.
• The meeting is aimed at coordinating and synergizing the efforts of various Central and State government agencies involved in countering drug trafficking and abuse in India.
• Drug syndicates pose a significant threat to national security, public health, and social stability. The Indian government, under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has called for uncompromising measures against drug smuggling networks.

Details:

About The NCORD (Narco Coordination Centre) Mechanism

It was established in 2016 to enhance coordination between states and the Ministry of Home Affairs. It was strengthened in 2019 with a four-tier structure comprising Apex, Executive, State, and District Level Committees.

Aim: The aim is to improve communication, cooperation, and intelligence sharing among central and state agencies to combat drug trafficking and abuse effectively.

The Union Home Secretary heads the Apex Level Committee, the Executive Level by the Special Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the State Level by Chief Secretaries, and the District Level by District Magistrates.

READ ABOUT CENTRAL BUREAU OF NARCOTICS- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/central-bureau-of-narcotics

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/narcotic-drugs-and-psychotropic-substances-ndps-act-1985

Key Highlights of the Speech by the Minister

Major Challenges Posed by Synthetic Drugs

• Link to Terrorism: The entire business of synthetic drugs is increasingly connected with terrorism. The funds generated from drug trafficking have emerged as a significant threat to national security.
• Economic Impact: The drug trade has strengthened other illicit economic channels, further weakening the economy.
• Illegal Activities: Organizations involved in the drug trade are also engaging in illegal hawala dealings and tax evasion.
• Maritime Smuggling: Drugs are being smuggled through maritime routes, posing a threat to India’s maritime security as well.

Policy Shifts

• From "Need to Know" to "Duty to Share": The Minister emphasized the need for agencies to adopt a "Duty to Share" approach instead of the traditional "Need to Know" policy.
• Three-Pronged Strategy:
  • Supply Reduction: A strict approach to cutting off drug supply.
  • Demand Reduction: A strategic approach to reducing demand.
  • Harm Minimization: A compassionate approach to minimizing harm.
• The Minister noted that all three aspects must be addressed simultaneously to combat drug issues effectively.

Drug Seizure Statistics (2004-2024)

Period	Quantity Seized (kg)	Value (₹ crore)
2004-2023	1.52 lakh	5,933
2014-2024	5.43 lakh	22,000

The Gravity of the Drug Menace

Drug syndicates operate through a complex web of international and domestic networks. The threats posed by these organizations include:

• National Security Risks: Drug money often funds other illegal activities, including terrorism.
• Public Health Crisis: Drug abuse leads to severe health issues and increases the burden on the healthcare system.
• Economic Impact: Loss of productivity and increased law enforcement costs strain the economy

Current Landscape and Challenges:

Drug syndicates in India are part of a complex web involving international smuggling routes, domestic production, and local distribution networks. The challenges in combating these syndicates include:

• Transnational Operations: Drugs often enter India through international borders, necessitating cooperation and coordination with global agencies.
• Advanced Concealment Techniques: Smugglers use sophisticated methods to evade detection, including the use of technology and legitimate businesses as fronts.
• High Demand: Despite stringent laws, the demand for narcotics remains high, driven by various socio-economic factors.

Government Initiatives and Strategies

The Indian government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to tackle drug trafficking and abuse. Key strategies include: 

Ruthless Enforcement:

• Directive from Home Minister: Amit Shah has emphasized ruthless action against drug syndicates, urging law enforcement to go beyond arresting end-users to dismantle entire networks.
• NCORD Meetings: The Apex Level Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD), chaired by Shah, enhances coordination among Central and State agencies to streamline efforts in countering drug trafficking.

Innovative Tools for Public Engagement

• MANAS Helpline (1933): A toll-free helpline and web portal, MANAS allows citizens to anonymously report drug peddling and trafficking activities, ensuring prompt action and increased community involvement.
• Mobile App: Complementing the helpline, a mobile application facilitates real-time reporting and consultation on drug-related issues, aiding individuals in de-addiction and rehabilitation efforts.

Strategic Policy Shifts

• “Duty to Share” Policy: Transitioning from a “Need to Know” to a “Duty to Share” policy, the government advocates for openness and collaboration among various agencies to enhance intelligence sharing and operational efficiency.
• Supply and Demand Reduction: The approach towards a ruthless crackdown on drug suppliers is complemented by strategic demand reduction measures, including public awareness campaigns and stricter regulations on precursor chemicals.

Holistic Harm Reduction

• Humane Approach: Recognizing the complex social and health issues tied to drug abuse, the government promotes harm reduction policies. These include rehabilitation programs and initiatives to reintegrate former addicts into society.

India's Regulatory Framework in the Fight Against Drug Menace

Constitutional and Policy Framework

• Article 47 of the Indian Constitution: Directs the State to prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drugs, except for medicinal purposes, due to their injurious health effects.
• National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances: Based on the Directive Principles in Article 47.

International Conventions

• Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 (amended by the 1972 Protocol)
• Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971
• United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988

Existing Laws

Act	Year
1.Drugs and Cosmetics Act	1940
2.Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act	1985
3.Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act	1988

Institutions Involved

Institution/Agency	Role
1.Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)	●Nodal agency to combat the drug menace
2.Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)	●Involved in alcohol and drug demand reduction policies and drug de-addiction programs
3.Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE)	●Involved in alcohol and drug demand reduction policies and drug de-addiction programs
4.Permanent Inter-Ministerial Committee	●Prevents misuse of dual-use drugs, involving MoHFW and Ministry of Chemicals

Technological Interventions

Intervention	Details
1.NCORD Portal	●Effective mechanism for information exchange between various institutions/agencies
2.MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra)	●Toll-free helpline number 1933 for reporting drug-related issues

Other Measures

Measure	Details
1.Government's Aim for Drug-Free India by 2047	●Three-point strategy: strengthening institutional structure, coordination among agencies, public awareness campaigns
2.Establishment of an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in each state/UT	●Dedicated task force to combat drug issues
3.High Priority to Drug Disposal Drive	●Emphasis on efficient disposal of seized drugs
4.Launch of the NIDAAN Portal	●Portal for tracking Narco offenders
5.Creation of Canine Squads for Drug Detection	●Specially trained dog squads for detecting drugs
6.Strengthening Forensic Capabilities	●Enhancing forensic analysis facilities and expertise
7.Establishment of Special NDPS Courts and Fast Track Courts	●Dedicated courts for speedy trial of drug-related cases
8.Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA)	●Campaign for generating awareness against drug abuse

Success Stories and Ongoing Efforts

Recent success stories underscore the efficacy of these initiatives: - Best Practices in Arunachal and Assam: Districts in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam have been recognized for exemplary efforts in preventing drug abuse among children, highlighting the importance of localized, community-driven approaches.

Conclusion

• The battle against drug syndicates in India requires a multifaceted approach, combining ruthless enforcement with strategic policy initiatives and compassionate harm reduction programs.
• The measures implemented under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah signify a strong and comprehensive framework aimed at eradicating the drug menace.
• Through coordinated efforts, community engagement, and sustained policy shifts, India aims to dismantle drug networks and substitute a drug-free society.

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Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION India is increasingly becoming a hub for the illicit drug trade. In this context, discuss the various strategies and measures that the Indian government has implemented to combat drug syndicates. Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures and suggest additional steps to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and related crimes.