Centre's Three-Year Drug Control Plan: Target 100 Major Cartels, Use Preventive Detention
On June 26, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the Vision Document on Drug Control (2026-2029) at the 10th apex-level meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD). The document outlines a three-year national strategy to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
The roadmap is built on the principle of 'Detect, Disrupt and Destroy'. It aims to dismantle 100 major interstate and transnational drug cartels through intelligence-led investigations, coordinated operations, financial disruption, and effective prosecution. The policy also seeks to bring together over 40 ministries, central agencies, state governments, district administrations, educational institutions, civil society, and citizens under a common framework.
Enforcement efforts will shift from targeting individual carriers to complete networks, including suppliers, financiers, handlers, facilitators, and organised criminal syndicates. The document calls for mandatory financial investigations in major drug cases and attachment of assets acquired through illicit trade.
States and investigating agencies have been asked to target drug kingpins using the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988, which allows preventive detention of habitual traffickers to prevent further offences.
The vision document emphasises technology-led surveillance, including anti-drone systems, AI-enabled profiling, container scanning, and enhanced inter-agency coordination. Special focus is placed on methamphetamine, mephedrone, and emerging synthetic drugs through strengthened precursor controls and disruption of clandestine manufacturing.
On the demand side, the policy expands de-addiction, counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation facilities to improve accessibility and support recovery. A nationwide awareness campaign aims to reach over 50 crore citizens through educational institutions and community organisations.
