In the past three years, drug seizures have increased in Delhi and Gujarat, with record amounts of certain drugs being recovered, according to data from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) shared in the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

In Gujarat, there has been a significant rise in the seizure of opium, ATS (Amphetamine Type Stimulants), and hashish. The amount of opium seized jumped from 11.48 kg in 2022 to 320 kg in 2024, showing a 2687% increase. ATS seizures also grew by 1229%, from 60.81 kg in 2023 to 808 kg in 2024. Hashish seizures saw the biggest increase, going up by 6857%, from 53.44 kg in 2023 to 3,716 kg in 2024.

In Delhi, there has also been a significant rise in drug seizures, as per the information provided by law enforcement agencies to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Cocaine seizures jumped from 62.27 kg in 2023 to 1,396.39 kg in 2024, marking a 2142% increase. The seizure of tablets under the NDPS category surged from 2.58 kg in 2023 to 454.48 kg in 2024, a massive 17506% rise. Also, the seizure of poppy straw increased from 346 kg in 2023 to 1,099 kg in 2024, reflecting a 218% rise.

The government informed Parliament that law enforcement agencies have increased their efforts to combat drug trafficking. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has enhanced the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) system and established Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTF) in various states. Also, stricter checks are being implemented at ports, railway lines, and borders to curb trafficking activities.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced that a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has been established in every State and Union Territory. These task forces, led by senior police officers at the Additional Director General or Inspector General level, will function as the NCORD Secretariat in their respective regions and ensure the effective implementation of decisions made in NCORD meetings.

To improve the oversight of significant drug seizures, the government has also set up a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), chaired by the Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), to monitor investigations.

 

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