Nation-wide anti-narcotics fortnightly drives to begin from September

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has announced a year-long nationwide enforcement drive starting in September to combat drug trafficking. This initiative aims to apprehend fugitives, inspect medical shops for pharmaceutical drug diversion, and target drug syndicates. The NCB has written to all states and central agencies to undertake 24 special drives, each lasting two weeks, until the following August.

These drives include identifying foreign drug offenders for deportation, apprehending absconding narcotics offenders, and inspecting medical stores and pharmacies for drug diversion. Subsequent drives will focus on dossier preparation against drug crime fugitives, raising awareness about maritime drug trade in coastal communities, and coordinated checks at land, sea, and airports.

The action plan also includes detection and destruction of illicit cultivation, awareness drives in chemical industries, and inspections of jails. Additionally, special fortnights will engage youth in sports and drug-free campus verification in educational institutes. These fortnightly campaigns aim to bolster inter-agency collaboration, enhance public awareness, and contribute to a drug-free India.