At the meeting, Ministry for Home Affairs launched a toll-free helpline called MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra).

• Through it, citizens can connect with Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to share anonymous information on drug peddling, trafficking or consult for drug abuse or addiction related issues.

Illicit Drug Trade in India

• From 2014 to 2024, around 5.43 lakh kilogram of drugs worth Rs 22,000 crore were seized. 
• India is responsible for around 21% global manufacturing of internationally controlled psychotropic substances. 
• India is the largest opiate market in South Asia. 
• Narco Terrorism (terrorism funded by drugs trade) is posing threat to national security of India. 

Factors helping Illicit Drug Trade

• Role of Internet and social media in connecting sellers and buyers at local level.
• Emergence of Cryptocurrencies and Darknet drug markets.
• Role of Synthetic Drugs which aids drug manufacturing.

Challenges in handling Drug Trade

• India’s location: Surrounded by Death Triangle (Thailand, Myanmar and Laos) and Death Crescent (Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan).
• Transnational nature of crime with illegal Hawala transactions and tax evasion.
• Illicit cultivation of drugs such as opium in India. 

Way Forward

• Cooperation between international organizations, national Governments, regulatory authorities and private companies.
• Strategic approach towards demand reduction and disrupting supply chain.