In a significant milestone in India’s fight against drug trafficking, law enforcement agencies across the country, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), seized narcotics worth approximately Rs. 25,330 crore in 2024. This figure represents a staggering 55% increase compared to the Rs. 16,100 crore worth of drugs confiscated in 2023. The success of this operation is attributed to the ‘Bottom to Top’ and ‘Top to Bottom’ approach implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the strategic guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. The Modi government continues to advance its Whole-of-Government Approach in pursuit of a drug-free India.
Sharp Rise in Synthetic and High-Value Drugs Seized
The year 2024 saw an alarming increase in the seizure of highly addictive synthetic drugs, cocaine, and pharmaceutical drugs misused as psychotropic substances. These substances, which pose severe health risks, are also of significantly higher monetary value.
- Methamphetamine seizures more than doubled, rising from 34 quintals in 2023 to 80 quintals in 2024.
- Cocaine confiscations saw an exponential jump from 292 kg in 2023 to 1,426 kg in 2024.
- Mephedrone seizures increased from 688 kg in 2023 to 3,391 kg in 2024.
- Hashish confiscations rose from 34 quintals in 2023 to 61 quintals in 2024.
- Seizures of pharmaceutical drugs used as psychotropic substances increased from 1.84 crore to 4.69 crore tablets.
Key Anti-Drug Operations in 2024
The NCB, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, conducted several high-profile operations that led to the dismantling of major drug trafficking networks. Some of the notable operations include:
February 2024:
- The NCB and the Special Cell of Delhi Police dismantled an international drug trafficking network, arresting three individuals and seizing 50 kg of the narcotics precursor chemical Pseudoephedrine. The operation was based on intelligence shared by Australian and New Zealand authorities.
- Operation ‘Sagar Manthan-1’ was conducted jointly by the NCB, Indian Navy, and ATS Gujarat Police, leading to the largest-ever offshore seizure of Charas/Hashish. Approximately 3,300 kg of drugs (3,110 kg of Charas/Hashish, 158.3 kg of Methamphetamine, and 24.6 kg of suspected Heroin) were confiscated from the Indian Ocean. Five foreign nationals were detained.
March 2024:
- The NCB arrested Jaffer Sadiq, the mastermind behind the drug trafficking network uncovered in February 2024. He had been on the run since the seizure of 50.07 kg of Pseudoephedrine and the arrest of his three accomplices.
April 2024:
- In a joint maritime operation by the NCB, ATS Gujarat Police, and the Indian Coast Guard, authorities intercepted a foreign vessel carrying 86 kg of Heroin. Fourteen Pakistani nationals were arrested, and the seized drugs were valued at approximately Rs. 602 crore.
October 2024:
- The NCB raided a factory in the Kasna Industrial Area of Gautam Budh Nagar and discovered 95 kg of Methamphetamine in both solid and liquid forms. Additionally, chemicals like Acetone, Sodium Hydroxide, Methylene Chloride, and imported machinery used for manufacturing synthetic drugs were seized.
November 2024:
- The NCB achieved a major breakthrough against drug syndicates operating in the Delhi NCR region, seizing 82.53 kg of high-grade Cocaine from the Janakpuri and Nangloi areas of Delhi.
- Operation ‘Sagar Manthan-4’ was launched by the NCB, Indian Navy, and ATS Gujarat Police, resulting in the seizure of approximately 700 kg of Methamphetamine from an international drug trafficking cartel in Gujarat.
The Road Ahead: Strengthening India’s Drug-Free Mission
The Modi government remains committed to eliminating drug trafficking through a multi-pronged approach involving intelligence-sharing, coordinated enforcement actions, and stricter legal frameworks. With the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies and international collaborations, India is moving steadily toward its goal of a drug-free society.
As the fight against narcotics intensifies, the government reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related crimes, ensuring that offenders are brought to justice and that future generations are safeguarded from the menace of drug abuse.
Leave a comment