States reaffirm resolve to implement Narcotics Vision Document 2026-29
States and Union Territories have renewed their commitment to the Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026-29), aiming to step up efforts against drug trafficking. The two-day conference, themed “United Resolve, Shared Responsibility,” began on 22 September 2026 with an inauguration by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) organised the event, which brought together ANTF leaders from 36 States and UTs, along with officials from various government departments.
During his opening speech, Shah said narcotics are a serious threat to the country and set a goal to eliminate the drug trade in India by 31 December 2029. He explained that a Drug-Free India is important for building a developed nation by 2047 and protecting future generations. Shah admitted that reaching the 2029 goal will be difficult, but believes it is possible if Central and State Governments work together.
The conference featured three technical sessions that discussed how to meet the Vision Document targets over the next three years. Topics included demand reduction, prevention and rehabilitation, and breaking up drug trafficking networks and cartels. The sessions pointed out that the Vision Document’s four main strategies have clear responsibilities, timelines, and ways to track progress. They also stressed the need to strengthen State ANTFs, make NCORD and JCC meetings more results-focused, move from focusing only on seizures to targeting entire networks, use financial profiling, apply the PITNDPS Act effectively, and focus on prosecuting key figures and organised trafficking groups.
One session highlighted the importance of demand reduction, prevention, and rehabilitation in controlling narcotics. Senior officials from key ministries introduced the UGC’s “Nasha Mukt Campus Framework” for Drug-Free Higher Educational Institutions, the creation of 500-metre Drug-Free Zones around schools and colleges, the expansion of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, and national programs to improve de-addiction centres and their outreach.
On the second day, the conference focused on improving coordination in narcotics cases with INTERPOL and foreign agencies. Topics included working with international partners, deporting fugitives, the role of FIU-IND in financial investigations, and using the PITNDPS Act. Participants also discussed how digital databases like NIDAAN, e-Sakshya, e-Prison, and CCTNS can help enforcement, as well as the use of Nar-K9 dogs for intelligence-led operations, analysis of synthetic drugs, and the MAC platform.
Another session addressed challenges with precursors, synthetic drugs, and hidden laboratories, along with ways to tackle these issues. The discussion included how the chemical industry can help prevent the diversion of precursor chemicals for making synthetic drugs and how to spot signs of illegal labs. The session also covered best practices for destroying illegal crops and encouraging alternative farming. The conference looked at new trends in drug crimes involving the darknet and cryptocurrencies, as well as tools for investigating these cases.
Participants shared best practices from different States to fight drug trafficking, such as using technology, working together across agencies, and involving the community.
In his closing speech, the DG, NCB exhorted all ANTFs and participants to stay committed to drug control efforts over the next three years. He asked States to create their own three-year drug control plans, considering their unique challenges and ensuring they align with the National Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026-2029).
Shah repeated that it is time to shift from focusing only on seizures to targeting entire drug networks to meet new challenges in drug trafficking. He stressed that enforcement and intelligence agencies need to work together, share information, and coordinate to find and break up drug networks at all levels.
