Drug related crimes have increased by 230%- Amit Shah

Raipur | Correspondent: In India, drug-related crimes have surged by 230% over the past decade. Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed that between 2004 and 2014, 1,250 drug-related cases were registered. However, in the following decade, from 2014 to 2024, this number skyrocketed to 4,150 cases, marking a substantial 230% increase.

Amit Shah also highlighted that the usage of sedatives in Chhattisgarh stands at 1.45%, surpassing the national average. Additionally, the state’s marijuana consumption is at 4.98%, which is also above the national average.

These comments were made during the virtual inauguration of the Narcotics Control Bureau’s regional office in Raipur on Sunday.

The Home Minister emphasized that with intense, serious efforts and a comprehensive strategy, India can successfully combat the drug menace. He warned that the illicit trafficking of narcotics poses a severe threat to national security.

He pointed out that profits from the illegal drug trade fuel terrorism, support left-wing extremism, and weaken the nation’s economy. Furthermore, he stressed that drugs not only devastate the country’s youth but also undermine national security.

Amit Shah noted the evolving trend in drug trafficking, with a shift from natural to synthetic drugs. He reiterated the concerning statistics for Chhattisgarh, where sedative use is 1.45% and marijuana use is 4.98%, both exceeding national averages.

The Home Minister praised the performance of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) over the past 10 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He provided statistics showing that from 2004 to 2014, a total of 1,250 drug-related cases were registered, whereas from 2014 to 2024, this number rose to 4,150—a 230% increase. Arrests have also surged, from 1,360 between 2004 and 2014 to 6,300 in the following decade. Drug seizures have grown significantly, with 1.52 lakh kilograms seized from 2004 to 2014, compared to 5.43 lakh kilograms seized from 2014 to 2024, a 257% increase. The value of the drugs seized has also jumped from Rs 5,900 crore between 2004 and 2014 to Rs 22,000 crore between 2014 and 2024.

Shah stressed that to realize Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a drug-free India, this fight must become a “Jan Andolan” (people’s movement), by raising awareness among the youth and the general public about the dangers of drug use.