September 10.
Chief Secretary Shri V. Srinivas chaired a meeting at the Government Secretariat on Thursday to discuss the preparation of the ‘Narcotics Control Vision 2026-29’ aimed at preventing drug trafficking and abuse in the State.
Narcotics Control Vision 2026-29 to be Based on Four Key Pillars
Chief Secretary Shri V. Srinivas directed all concerned departments to ensure coordinated and effective action to combat the threat of narcotic substances in the State.
He said the ‘Narcotics Control Vision 2026-29’ should effectively focus on four key areas—enforcement; intelligence and operations; precursor and synthetic drug control; demand and harm reduction; and capacity building, coordination and monitoring.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to ensure effective and scientific forensic investigation in cases related to narcotic substances. He also instructed that NCORD meetings be held regularly at the district level and called for stronger coordination and information sharing among the concerned departments.
Rajasthan Leads the Country in Seizure of Narcotic Substances
The meeting was informed that the seizure of narcotic substances such as opium, doda-poppy straw and MD has increased significantly in the State. Rajasthan currently ranks first in the country in the seizure of these substances.
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force has so far seized narcotic substances worth approximately Rs 730 crore and arrested 93 drug kingpins. In addition, 34 MD manufacturing facilities have been busted in the State and the seized narcotic substances have been destroyed.
Regular NCORD (National Committee for Coordination on Counter-Narcotics) meetings are being held at the State and district levels to strengthen action against drug trafficking and abuse.
Special attention is being given to the 12 most vulnerable districts of the State, where de-addiction camps are being organised. Surveillance mechanisms are also being strengthened in identified drug hotspots.
Strict Action Against Drug Traffickers; 5,626 Cases Registered
The meeting was informed that strict action is being taken under the NDPS Act against persons involved in the trafficking and sale of narcotic substances. So far, 5,626 cases have been registered against such persons.
Repeat offenders are being identified and action is being taken against them under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.
Under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, awareness and outreach programmes are being organised in coordination with various departments to sensitise young people and the general public about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
A special campaign has also been undertaken with the objective of making areas within a 500-metre radius of educational institutions drug-free.
Senior Officials Attend the Meeting
The meeting was attended by Shri Bhaskar A. Sawant, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department; Shri Praveen Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs Department; Shri Shikhar Agrawal, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department; and Shri Dinesh M.N., Additional Director General of Police, ATS, AGTF and Anti-Narcotics Task Force, along with senior officers from all concerned departments.
Officials from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) participated in the meeting through video conference.
Shri Vikas Kumar, Inspector General of Police, Anti-Narcotics Task Force, delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the action taken by the State against drug trafficking.
Officials from various departments, including Police, Education, Industries and Health, also briefed the meeting on measures being undertaken to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and curb the illegal trade in narcotic substances.