2nd ANTF Conference of State, UT Heads concludes in New Delhi with renewed pledge for drug-free India
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
India’s Fight Against Drugs: States Unite for a Drug-Free Future by 2047
New Delhi kicked off a major push against drug abuse as the 2nd National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Heads wrapped up on Wednesday. Leaders from all states and union territories (UTs) pledged to team up and wipe out drug trafficking, aiming for a completely drug-free India by 2047.
The two-day event, themed "United Resolve, Shared Responsibility," started on September 16 with Union Home Minister Amit Shah lighting the inaugural lamp. Organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), it brought together ANTF heads from 36 states and UTs, plus experts from various government departments.
Right after Shah’s motivating speech, the conference dove into four key sessions. These covered the current state of anti-narcotics task forces and a clear roadmap to hit that drug-free Bharat goal by 2047. They also stressed making the most of the NCORD mechanism—a national coordination center that helps agencies work hand-in-hand against narcotics.
Discussions highlighted a "whole-of-government" strategy. States and UTs need to map out drug hotspots, from illegal cultivation fields to city slums, for smarter crackdowns. Experts linked street-level drug busts to big international syndicates, with extra focus on coastal and sea routes used by traffickers. The talks also tackled cutting demand and reducing harm, with insights from specialists in rehab and prevention.
On day two, the spotlight turned to global teamwork. Sessions explored ties with INTERPOL and foreign agencies, deporting fugitives, and building strong legal tools to nab narcotics offenders. A special panel zeroed in on the PITNDPS Act, which boosts investigations into drug money trails and financial intelligence. They discussed using digital tools, forensics, and tracking diverted prescription drugs that end up misused.
States shared success stories too—cool innovations blending tech, team-ups between agencies, and community drives to fight the drug menace. From AI-powered tracking to local awareness campaigns, these approaches showed real promise in curbing drug abuse.
In the closing speech, NCB Director General Anurag Garg called for ditching small-time seizures and digging deep into supply chains. "We must probe backward and forward links to smash drug cartels," he said. He pushed for financial probes, mobile forensics, the NIDAAN Portal for data sharing, and smart use of PITNDPS rules.
Garg urged everyone—states, center, and agencies—to swap intel freely, especially on narco-criminals hiding abroad. Use multi-agency meetings to connect the dots, he added. Every ANTF should pick 10 key cases for full-circle probes and hand over tricky ones to big players like NCB for interstate links, NIA for narco-terrorism, or ED for money laundering.
He stressed setting up expert cells in each ANTF to handle dark web deals and crypto-fueled trafficking. Echoing Home Minister Shah, Garg said: "Treat this as a mission to protect our youth from drugs that could destroy our society. Let’s act with heart and strategy."
The conference ended on a high note, with all agreeing to unite under PM Narendra Modi’s vision for a drug-free India by 2047. This collective effort promises tougher action against narcotics trafficking and stronger support for those battling addiction.
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