‘Drug Free India’ to be achieved by 2047: Shah

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called upon everyone to work towards the goal of achieving a drug-free India by 2047. On Friday, he held a video conference from Delhi with Chief Secretaries, senior police officials, and officers from the Narcotics Control Bureau and other departments across various states to discuss 'Narco-Coordination.

'Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister advised states to work towards a drug-free India by 2047—in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call—and to establish a robust surveillance system utilizing technology. He emphasized the need for a "zero-tolerance" approach and strict action against those involved in the supply and sale of narcotics. He directed officials to identify drug hotspots, maintain tight surveillance, apprehend the kingpins, and ensure they are punished in a timely manner.

Speaking via video conference from the Chief Secretary’s camp office in Vijayawada, Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad stated that EAGLE (Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement)—Andhra Pradesh's specialized state-level anti-narcotics unit—is functioning effectively. He noted that while the Andhra-Odisha border region was once notorious for cannabis cultivation, Andhra Pradesh has now emerged as a national benchmark for drug control enforcement.

He explained that large-scale inspections are being conducted three times a week in every district to curb the inter-state trafficking of narcotics via the railway network; these operations involve the joint deployment of local police, GRP, RPF, EAGLE units, and dog squads.

He further mentioned that EAGLE operates a dedicated, secure data center at its Mangalagiri headquarters and serves as the centralized surveillance hub for the state's anti-narcotics system.

Anita calls for a drug free AP

Andhra Pradesh Home and Disaster Management Minister Vangalapudi Anita on Friday said protecting the state's youth from drug abuse is a shared responsibility, describing them as the nation's greatest asset and investment in the future. She was speaking at the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking programme at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram, organised under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in association with the State government and the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE).

The minister lauded the 450-member EAGLE Task Force for curbing cannabis cultivation and drug trafficking, claiming the state had achieved "zero cultivation." Citing the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, she warned that those involved in possessing, consuming or transporting narcotics would face stringent action, including a minimum six-month jail term. She urged citizens to report drug-related activities through the toll-free helpline 1972, assuring confidentiality.

20-Point Programme Implementation Committee Chairman Lanka Dinakar said eliminating drug abuse was vital to achieving the goals of Nasha Mukt Bharat and Swarna Andhra. EAGLE Superintendent of Police K. Nagesh Kumar said over 40,000 EAGLE Clubs had been set up in educational institutions to spread awareness and monitor drug-related activities. Participants concluded the programme by taking a pledge to help build a drug-free India.