New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS): Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the country's youth should be protected from the drug menace and directed officials to take steps to check the flow of narcotics into the country.

He was reviewing working of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) at a meeting here.

Rajnath Singh also discussed the counter-strategies against drugs which included enforcement (supply reduction), demand reduction and rehabilitation of drug addicts.

The ongoing national and international operations to check the drug menace, strengthening and upgradation of intelligence network, upgradation of surveillance equipment, and future requirements such as the setting up of training academy and drug labs and museums were also reviewed at the meeting.

The NCB apprised the minister about the drug scenario and issues in the country.

He was also told about the trafficking of drugs from southwest Asia through the land and maritime routes, an official statement said.

The issues related to opium, cannabis, ephedrine, synthetic drugs and New Psychoactive Substances were also discussed, the statement said.

Besides, the minister directed officials of the NCB and the ministry of home affairs to move all pending proposals at the earliest so that the NCB could check the flow of narcotics in the country.