Tamil Nadu Sanctions ₹264 Crore for New Anti-Narcotics Task Force
The Tamil Nadu government has established an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) to intensify the fight against drug trafficking and abuse across the state. The new unit, which will function under the direct control of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has been sanctioned a budget of ₹264 crore for its operationalisation.
In an order issued recently, the state government approved the creation of 65 ANTF units spread across all districts and cities. These will include dedicated police stations led by an Inspector of Police, supported by necessary staff. The force will be headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police.
The proposal, submitted by Director General of Police and Head of Police Force Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, underlined that the ANTF will transform anti-narcotics enforcement into a state-wide policing mission. The units will comprise specialised investigation teams, including intelligence analysts, technical experts, and legal officers, to strengthen the state's response to drug-related crimes.
The ANTF will operate through five verticals: Intelligence and Cyber Surveillance, Enforcement & Investigation, Financial Investigations, Prosecution, and Awareness and Rehabilitation. These divisions will work together to collect intelligence, register cases, conduct financial investigations, and ensure effective prosecution in drug-related matters.
The government has also sanctioned posts for the new force, including 65 Police Inspectors, 260 Sub-Inspectors, and 1,300 police personnel. A dedicated 24/7 control room will be set up at the ANTF headquarters in Chennai, which will act as the central communication hub for statewide operations. It will receive, process, and disseminate intelligence inputs while maintaining real-time coordination with field units.
To ensure efficiency, the existing manpower and infrastructure of the Narcotics Control Bureau CID will be merged into the ANTF. This integration is expected to enhance administrative and logistic support, ensuring the sustainable functioning of the state's anti-narcotics framework.
Beyond police action, the government has assigned specific responsibilities to multiple departments, including Health and Family Welfare, School Education, Higher Education, Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Municipal Administration and Water Supply, and the Directorate of Information and Public Relations. These departments will contribute to prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation efforts, aligning with the broader goal of a drug-free Tamil Nadu.
The formation of the ANTF marks a significant step in the state's approach to tackling drug abuse and trafficking, focusing on coordinated enforcement, investigation, and community engagement.
