New Delhi: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the third national conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) chiefs of states and Union Territories in New Delhi on September 22, 2026.
During this event, he will launch an anti-drug awareness TVC and lay the foundation stones for new NCB zone complexes in Lucknow and The two-day conference, being held on September 22–23, will be attended by heads of Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTFs) from 36 states and Union Territories, along with representatives from other relevant departments and stakeholders.
The government is working in mission mode to protect the youth from the dangers of drug abuse and to advance the goal of a drug-free India. According to the government, a drug-free India is a crucial component of the vision for a developed India by 2047. The conference will focus on enhancing coordination among states, Union Territories, and central agencies to safeguard future generations from narcotics.
Held under the theme “United Resolve, Shared Responsibility”, the conference will review progress on targets set for the Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTFs) of states and Union Territories under the Vision Document (2026–2029) for narcotics control. Discussions will also cover efforts by various stakeholders to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country.
Focus on Drug Networks, Synthetic Drugs and Darknet
The conference will discuss measures for harm reduction alongside strategies to curb the supply and demand of narcotics. Attention will also be focused on the role of the Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTFs) of states and Union Territories in achieving the goals outlined in the Vision Document (2026-2029).
The conference will feature eight technical sessions covering four key areas: enforcement, intelligence and operations, synthetic drug and precursor control, demand and harm reduction, and capacity building. Discussions will also focus on dismantling drug networks and cartels, curbing illicit cultivation, and promoting alternative crops.
In view of evolving drug trafficking networks, the conference will also focus on investigations involving the darknet and cryptocurrency. Discussions will cover the use of technology to identify the financial and digital links of drug networks, as well as measures to curb clandestine laboratories and the trafficking of synthetic drugs.
Shared Strategy for the Next Three Years
States, Union Territories and central agencies will work under a ‘Whole of Government Approach’ to develop a shared strategy for tackling drug trafficking over the next three years. The discussions will focus on strengthening the enforcement of drug control laws, keeping youth away from drugs and improving coordination between the NCB and ANTFs to advance the goal of a drug-free India.
(PIB)
