Overcoming challenges in transforming India drug free

October 28, 2026 admin

TL;DR

After successfully making Bharat Maoist-free by May 2026, the Government of India resolved to make the country drug-free by December 2029. However, this goal faces formidable challenges as long as drug lords operate remotely and maintain nexus with powerful entities, including politicians and the police.

Introductory note

Few days ago, a student died in Punjab with the overdose of drugs. Though this is strange for many, there are incidents reported from across the nation indicating suicides by drug addicts. Some of the drug lords are operating from across the borders there by evading the arrest by narcotic agencies and at the same time running their business using the middlemen. In addition to spoiling the future of the youth and youngsters’, many a times these drug dealers are hands in glove with agitators and anti-nationals there by forcing the immediacy of addressing the issue.

Analysis/ Analytical view

On October 23, 2026, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has launched massive coordinated ‘Operation Trident’ in North Eastern States of Assam, Mizoram and Manipur. As many as 38 teams’ stroke in 38 locations smashing an international narco-cartel. The operation revealed Rs. 100 crore hawala transactions, froze 1,424 bank accounts, attached properties worth Rs. 17.82 crore. The officials have also seized
500 detonators and Rs.12 lakh in cash were also seized leading to the arrest of 18 persons involved in dealing with drugs. The network trafficked narcotics across the borders of India, Myanmar and Bangladesh through the Death Triangle Corridor
Connecting the dots

This is only tip of an iceberg. The larger picture was yet to unveil. According to the ‘World Drug Report’ report published by United Nations Office on Drug and Crime, released in 2022, annual illicit drug business in India is estimate to be around Rs. 10 lakh crore and it was estimated that about 10 crore people in India are addicted to the drugs of different forms. Being geographically located among Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran in the West and Myanmar, Thailand and Laos in the East, India was caught in the thick of production and business.

On October 16-17, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials seized 137 kg high-purity crystal methamphetamine, valued at Rs. 100 crore. It was estimated that the value will be around Rs. 400 crore in the international market. The modes operandi of the dealers were that they store the drugs in the mid of the sea and transfer it to Sri Lanka via Palk Strait. Four persons were arrested including N. Boobalan (42, lawyer from Chinthamani, former TVK functionary expelled after incident). This explains the connection between politicians and drug business. Similarly, officials have also busted Delhi-Bengaluru-Chennai Meth Network on October 25^th.

In Kerala, in the last ten years the drug and synthetic drugs cases increased in large scale. Some film personalities and celebrities are involved and the deals are made through hawala operations. Lakshadweep area of Arabian Sea is the main transit centre. Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Pakistan to Gulf and Pakistan to deep sea are the ways involved in transporting these drugs.

Fisheries boats are involved and most of the drops are to Mattancheri, Ponnani, Beypore and Kasargod. Very recently there was a big haul of Rs. 3,000 crore worth drugs were seized and coast guard has intensified the patrolling. There were also allegations that the Jihadi elements are using the ‘Love Jihad’ victims for trafficking drugs.

The new government has initiated a programme ‘Operation Tufan’ to curtail drug menace and about 13,000 cases are registered in a short span of 6 months 14,409 were arrested and network was busted.

The Government of Telangana formed Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) force and Telangana State Anti-Narcotic Bureau (TSNAB) to deal with drug problem in the state. In Hyderabad city alone 2,889 cases were registered and 8,858 were arrested in the last three years.

Usage of drugs is different from state to state and likewise the business. Ganja (cannabis) and Opium are mostly used in Maharashtra and Odisha, followed by heroin and opiates in Punjab, cocaine in metro cities, synthetic and Amphetamine type stimulants in Mizoram and Gujarat and pharmaceutical diversions across India.

Nasha Mukth Bharat by 2029

Government of India has prepared a roadmap to make Drug Free India by 2029. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had launched the roadmap ‘Vision Document 2026-2029’, for a Nasha Mukt Bharat in June 2026. Roadmap is based on 4 pillars, 25 components and more than 200 action points. Vision document envisages prevention of drug abuse among youth and more than 5 fold expansion in treatment and rehabilitation capacity

Special facilities for children, women and a dedicated department in one medical college of every state. Campaign targets to reach 50 crore people. One lakh ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Mitras’ will be prepared through NCC, NSS and My Bharat. Schools and Colleges will become the first line of defence against drug abuse.

News at a Glance:

Man dies allegedly due to drug overdose in Punjab’s Mansa; kin protest; police take his body

https://theprint.in/india/man-dies-allegedly-due-to-drug-overdose-in-punjabs-mansa-kin-protest-police-take-his-body/3083450/

18 arrested, 1424 bank accounts frozen, in Northeast Narco-Hawala crack down

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amit-shah-hails-lethal-blow-to-international-narco-cartel-following-anti-narcotics-operation-in-assam-mizoram-and-manipur/article71622593.ece

Operation Trident: 18 Arrested, 1,424 Bank Accounts Frozen in Drug Crackdown | Northeast | News18

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Social Media Pulse:

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