Addressing the 10th apex-level meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD), Shah urged all state governments to submit their suggestions to the Centre regarding the proposed amendments being drafted by the Finance Ministry to strengthen the legal framework and effectively close existing loopholes used by organised narcotics networks.
Highlighting the government's achievements in combating the drug menace, Shah said enforcement agencies have recorded a significant rise in seizures of synthetic drugs over the past decade. According to him, 26 lakh kilograms of synthetic drugs were seized between 2004 and 2014, whereas 1.18 crore kilograms have been seized during the period from 2014 to 2026. He said the figures demonstrate that the nationwide campaign against narcotics is steadily progressing towards success.
The Home Minister further stated that the estimated value of drugs seized between 2004 and 2014 stood at approximately Rs 40,000 crore, while the value of drugs confiscated between 2014 and 2026 has increased to nearly Rs 1.84 lakh crore. He said the sharp rise reflects the expanded scale and improved effectiveness of the government's anti-narcotics operations.
Reiterating the Centre's commitment to strengthening the legal framework, Shah said the government would amend the NDPS Act to remove every loophole being exploited by narcotics syndicates. He once again appealed to the states to forward their recommendations on the Finance Ministry's proposed amendments to ensure a more comprehensive and effective law.
Shah also directed all state governments to ensure real-time sharing of intelligence and case-related information under all circumstances. He said the Narcotics Control Bureau has developed multiple digital portals for this purpose and urged all Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police to upload crime-related details from their respective states within the prescribed time frame. According to him, timely data sharing would enable the Government of India to review cases more effectively and provide necessary feedback and operational guidance.
The Home Minister further stressed the need to make NCORD meetings outcome-oriented rather than merely increasing their frequency. He said that while the number of meetings has grown, their effectiveness must be measured through proper implementation of decisions, regular review of action taken, and rigorous analysis during subsequent meetings. He emphasised that only sincere and result-oriented efforts by state governments would ensure meaningful success in the country's fight against drug trafficking.
The announcement of proposed amendments to the NDPS Act, coupled with stricter coordination between the Centre and the states, signals the government's resolve to strengthen India's legal and enforcement framework against narcotics trafficking while intensifying the nationwide campaign to dismantle organised drug networks.
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