Anti-Narcotics Task Force: 7 Strong Measures to Tackle Drug Trade

Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the need for a liberal approach to deportation processes to ensure a strong mechanism for deporting criminals, especially those involved in narcotics trade. He highlighted the urgency to bring drug lords operating from abroad under the ambit of Indian law.

Coordination Between Agencies:

The Home Minister urged Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) heads of States to coordinate with the CBI Director to build a robust extradition system.

• This system should target not only drug trafficking but also terrorism and gang-related crimes.
• He stressed that extradition and deportation must go hand in hand for effective action against international criminals.

Joint Mechanism Proposal:

Mr. Shah proposed a joint mechanism involving:

• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
• State Police Forces

This collaboration aims to bring back foreign criminals and fugitives linked to drug trafficking networks.

Role of NCORD in Drug-Free India Mission:

The Minister highlighted the importance of the National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD) in the Drug-Free India campaign.

• Success depends on district-level sensitization of police and education officers.
• While the number of district-level NCORD meetings has increased, 272 districts have not held a single meeting, indicating a gap in coordination.

Warning on Synthetic Drugs and Labs:

Amit Shah warned about the rising threat of synthetic drugs and illegal drug manufacturing laboratories.

• Directed ANTF heads to remain vigilant, identify, and dismantle such labs.
• Acknowledged significant progress made over the past year but urged continued preventive action to stop new facilities from being set up.

Destruction of Seized Drugs:

The Home Minister informed that 1,37,917 kg of seized drugs, worth approximately Rs 4,800 crore, were destroyed at 11 locations across India on Tuesday.

• Recommended a scientific and standardized practice of destroying seized drugs every three months in every state.

About  ANTF :

The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) is a specialized unit established at the state level to combat the growing menace of drug trafficking and narcotics-related crimes in India. It works under the state police departments but coordinates closely with central agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and other enforcement agencies.

Objective of ANTF:

• To curb drug smuggling, trafficking, and consumption.
• To dismantle drug supply networks operating at state, national, and international levels.
• To identify, monitor, and take strict action against organized crime syndicates involved in the narcotics trade.
• To strengthen coordination with other state and central agencies.

Structure of ANTF:

• Headed by a senior police officer (often at the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) or Inspector General (IG)).
• Composed of specially trained personnel in drug enforcement operations.
• Works in coordination with district-level police units and local intelligence networks.

Equipped with modern surveillance and tracking tools for monitoring drug networks.