The Government has set a three-year roadmap to achieve its Drug-Free India 2029 target, with a stronger focus on dismantling drug networks, controlling synthetic drugs and improving coordination between enforcement agencies. Union Home Minister Amit Shah outlined the roadmap at the 3rd National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Heads of States and Union Territories in New Delhi on September 22, 2026.
The two-day conference brought together ANTF heads from 36 States and Union Territories, along with representatives from government departments and other stakeholders. The event focused on implementing the targets outlined in the Vision Document 2026–2029 and strengthening the national response to drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Drug-Free India 2029 Roadmap Focuses on Four Pillars
The Vision Document 2026–2029 outlines four strategic pillars for the Drug-Free India 2029 roadmap. These cover enforcement, intelligence and operations; precursor and synthetic drug control; demand and harm reduction; and capacity building and coordination.
More than 100 targets have been distributed across these four pillars. The approach also seeks to move enforcement beyond individual seizures towards dismantling complete drug-trafficking networks. This includes backward and forward investigations, financial investigations and tracing digital links connected to trafficking networks.
Synthetic drugs, clandestine laboratories, precursor chemicals and new trafficking channels will remain key areas of focus. The conference also addressed darknet and cryptocurrency investigations, along with strategies to identify and disrupt drug cartels and their networks.
Coordination and Capacity Building
The Drug-Free India 2029 roadmap also places emphasis on strengthening the capacity of enforcement agencies and improving Centre-State coordination.
The government has set a target of one lakh Nashamukt Mitras under the roadmap. So far, 46,780 have been registered. These volunteers are expected to take awareness efforts to schools, colleges and other institutions, with a target of reaching 10 lakh institutions.
The conference also marked new investments in the country’s anti-drug enforcement infrastructure. Shah laid the foundation stones for new Narcotics Control Bureau zonal complexes in Lucknow and Dehradun. The government also launched awareness TVCs against narcotic substances and a revamped NCB website. Best-performing State and UT ANTFs were also honoured at the event.
The roadmap comes with defined timelines, monitoring mechanisms and measurable targets for the next three years. The government has said that Centre-State coordination, sustained awareness and outcome-based accountability will remain central to achieving the Drug-Free India 2029 objective.
