- The Central Government has extended the anti-narcotics scheme for 3 more years to combat illicit trafficking in drugs and psychotropic substance. The notification was issued in this regard by Ministry of Home Affairs on February 14, 2018.
- The assistance for narcotics control has been extended, with an estimated budget of 21 crore rupees.
- The most common drugs of abuse are ganja, hashish, opium and heroin.
- The financial assistance will be provided to all the anti-narcotics agencies for strengthening their enforcement capabilities to combat illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) being the national nodal agency for drug administration will process the requests from state governments and UTs for financial assistance for improving their enforcement capabilities in in dealing with the supply side of the drug menace.
- Financial assistance is also proposed to be provided for all capacity building activities, including training of personnel.
About the scheme
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- The scheme for Narcotics was first launched on October 24, 2004 for a period of five years and later extended twice in subsequent years.
- According to the latest assessments, there are approximately 40 lakh drug addicts in the country.
- The purpose of the scheme is to assist states and Union Territories, which are contributing in controlling the inter-state and cross-border drug trafficking. I
