New Delhi, Sept 16 (UNI) Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the second National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) heads of states and union Territories here today.

On the occasion, drugs worth Rs 4,794 crore will be destroyed to mark the inauguration of a drug-destruction drive.

Shah will also release the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Annual Report 2024 and launch the online 'Drug Disposal Campaign'.

The 2-day conference will serve as a strategic platform to reinforce the government’s commitment to a drug-free India and to formulate a roadmap to achieve this goal.

The theme of the conference being organised by NCB is “United Resolve, Shared Responsibility”. The conference will hold a comprehensive review and analysis of the collective efforts made by all stakeholders in combating the drug menace in the country and deliberate on the future roadmap.

Detailed deliberations on various facets of drug supply, demand reduction and harm reduction, including their national security implications and steps to be taken for strengthening drug law enforcement in the country, will also take place during the event, apart from the need for a whole-of-government approach required to address the menace.

Six technical sessions are lined up during the event.

The deliberations are expected to generate actionable outcomes with a view to move forward with strategy drawing upon the strength of various stakeholders.

The NCB and states and UTs' anti-narcotics task forces envision a future-ready partnership that integrates technology, intelligence, and community action to combat drug abuse and trafficking.

The government has adopted a “zero tolerance policy” against drugs. Amit Shah had directed all states and UTs in 2021 to establish a dedicated anti-narcotics task force.

He had inaugurated the first National Conference of ANTF Heads from all states and UTs in April 2023.

The ANTF Heads of 36 states and union territories, apart from stakeholders from other government departments, will be attending the conference to be held on September 16 and 17.

UNI RBE MI ARN PRS