Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 17: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday emphasised the need to bring foreign criminals involved in drug trafficking under the ambit of Indian law, advocating a “liberal approach” to deportation processes to ensure swift action against such offenders.
Addressing the inaugural session of the second National Conference of heads of Anti Narcotics Task Forces (ANTFs) from States and Union Territories, Mr. Shah urged State ANTF heads to coordinate closely with the CBI Director to establish a robust extradition framework. This system, he said, should be effective not only against drug crimes but also for terrorism and gang-related offences.
Highlighting the importance of deportation alongside extradition, the Minister called for a joint mechanism involving the Narcotics Control Bureau, CBI, and State police to bring back foreign fugitives involved in narcotics trade.
Mr. Shah also underlined the role of the National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD) in driving the Drug-Free India campaign. He stressed that the portal’s effectiveness depends on awareness at the district level and active participation of local police and education officers. While district-level NCORD meetings have increased in number, 272 districts have yet to hold even a single session.
The Home Minister warned that synthetic drugs and clandestine laboratories are on the rise. He urged State ANTF heads to stay vigilant, locate, and dismantle such laboratories. While acknowledging progress made over the past year, he emphasised the need to prevent new facilities from being set up, noting that only by eliminating drug availability will users seek medical help.
In a significant crackdown on Tuesday, Mr. Shah informed that 1,37,917 kilograms of seized drugs worth approximately Rs 4,800 crore were destroyed at 11 locations nationwide. He called for a scientific system of drug destruction every three months in each State, citing the dangers posed by drugs held in police custody. The Minister further recommended that every State establish a narcotics-focused forensic laboratory unit to ensure that offenders cannot exploit delays in presenting reports to courts to secure bail or acquittal.