Amit Shah Inaugurates NCB Zonal Office, Pledges to Eradicate Drugs and Naxalism in Chhattisgarh

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Narcotics Control Bureau's zonal office in Raipur. Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Raman Singh credited Shah's leadership for progress in tackling Naxalism and narcotics. Shah emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards drugs and remarked on evolving drug trafficking trends.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a new zonal office of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Raipur on Sunday. During the visit, Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Raman Singh expressed optimism about the progress made through discussions with Shah, indicating that efforts to eliminate Naxalism and narcotics in the state are on track.

Speaking to ANI, Singh noted, 'I met him today and we had fruitful discussions this morning. He was very pleased with the action plan, and his three-day visit here appears to have been successful. Under Amit Shah's leadership, we will achieve our primary objective of eradicating Naxalism and the narcotics issue in Chhattisgarh.' Shah, while speaking at the inauguration, emphasized the need for a zero-tolerance approach to narcotics, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision. He mentioned that new NCB offices are planned for every state.

Shah also highlighted changes in drug trafficking patterns, with smugglers shifting from natural to synthetic drugs, which are more harmful and costly. He pointed out that Chhattisgarh's geographical proximity to seven states and the Bay of Bengal makes it a transit route for drug trafficking, particularly for marijuana smuggled from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Additionally, he noted that cannabis usage in Chhattisgarh stands at 4.98%, significantly higher than the national average of 2.83%.