Amit Shah reviews Gujarat security, wants a drug-free India by 2029

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a high-level review of law and order and public safety in Gujarat in Ahmedabad on Saturday, 7 November, ahead of Deepavali, and called for strict enforcement against drugs, in line with the Centre’s aim of ridding India of drugs by 2029.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi attended the meeting, according to the Chief Minister’s Office. Mr. Shah asked officials to draw up an action plan against narcotics, expand the reach of the 1933 helpline for reporting drug trafficking, and combine intensive enforcement drives with awareness campaigns. A strict approach, he said, was key to curbing the drug problem in Ahmedabad.

The meeting also covered coastal security, the readiness of the State Disaster Response Force, and schemes to reduce urban flooding in Ahmedabad.

Why it matters

Gujarat’s long coastline and busy ports have made it a landing point for drug consignments: agencies have seized large quantities of heroin, cocaine and synthetic drugs off its coast and at Mundra port in recent years, much of it meant for markets elsewhere in India. Mr. Shah, who represents Gandhinagar in the Lok Sabha, has made narcotics control a recurring theme.

How to report drug trafficking

Call 1933, the national narcotics helpline run by the Narcotics Control Bureau (MANAS). Callers’ identities are kept confidential.