Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Shah Sets 2029 Target for India’s Decisive Narcotics Battle
Amit Shah said India wants to become free of illegal drugs by the end of 2029.
He called drug trafficking one of the country’s most serious threats.
He said many government departments and state authorities must work together.
The plan will give them clear goals, deadlines and responsibilities.
Officials should focus on breaking entire drug networks, not only finding and seizing drugs.
Shah said schools, police, village officials and senior government leaders all have a role.
A national plan called Vision Document 2026-2029 was prepared with input from more than 35 departments.
The meeting also included anti-drug awareness campaigns and new Narcotics Control Bureau projects.
Shah said the campaign is meant to protect young people and future generations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah called for a decisive nationwide campaign to achieve a drug-free India by December 31, 2029.
Shah said the government would focus on dismantling narcotics networks rather than only recording seizures.
A Vision Document 2026-2029 sets targets, timelines and accountability after consultations with more than 35 departments.
Heads of anti-narcotics task forces from 36 states and Union Territories attended the two-day conference in New Delhi.
Shah launched anti-drug television commercials, the Narcotics Control Bureau’s redesigned website and new zonal-complex projects in Lucknow and Dehradun.
- Who
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Narcotics Control Bureau, state and Union Territory anti-narcotics task forces, and other government departments.
- What
- The government announced a coordinated campaign to achieve a drug-free India by December 31, 2029, with targets, timelines and accountability.
- When
- The announcement was made on Tuesday, September 22, at the third national conference of anti-narcotics task-force chiefs; the conference lasted two days.
- Where
- New Delhi, with new Narcotics Control Bureau zonal complexes planned for Lucknow and Dehradun.
- Why
- Shah said narcotics pose a serious threat to India, its youth and future generations, and that eliminating drugs is necessary to support the goal of a developed India by 2047.
- Drug-free target
- December 31, 2029
- Conference
- Third national conference of anti-narcotics task-force chiefs
- Participants
- Anti-narcotics task-force heads from 36 states and Union Territories
- Roadmap
- Vision Document 2026-2029
- Consultation
- The document was prepared after discussions with more than 35 departments
- New projects
- Narcotics Control Bureau zonal complexes in Lucknow and Dehradun
- Operational shift
- From seizure-focused action to dismantling entire drug networks