With the aim towards a drug-free Uttar Pradesh, the state police has seized narcotics worth over Rs 5,000 crore in the last five years, marking one of the most aggressive anti-drug crackdowns in the country. Following the orders of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the anti-drug campaign received a major levelup through a special awareness and enforcement drive which was conducted from June 12 to 26. This intensified effort was strategically timed to align with the International Day Against Drug Abuse on June 26, highlighting the state’s commitment to tackling the drug menace through both strict action and public awareness.
While launching a new statewide campaign from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) headquarters, Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna stated that the drive is not just a law enforcement effort but a crucial fight for the future of the nation’s youth. He highlighted that along with strict policing, the UP Police are actively involving communities, raising awareness among young people, and partnering with civil society to combat drug abuse.
The fortnight-long campaign involved synchronised operations in urban and rural regions, focusing on breaking the backbone of drug supply chains while reaching out to citizens through rallies, workshops, school campaigns, and social media.
The Uttar Pradesh Police have initiated an aggressive and wide-ranging crackdown on drug trafficking, leading to substantial outcomes. So far, authorities have seized an astonishing 282,450 kilograms of illegal substances, including heroin, cannabis, opium, and various synthetic drugs. The international value of these seized narcotics is estimated to be over Rs 5,000 crore, highlighting the seriousness and scale of the operation.
As part of the intensified anti-narcotics campaign, the police have registered 50,282 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A total of 57,965 individuals have been arrested for drug trafficking and possession. In a significant financial strike against the drug network, assets worth Rs 382 crore suspected to be proceeds of the narcotics trade have also been seized.
A major turning point in the state’s fight against drugs came in August 2022, when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath established the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF). This specialized force was created with the objective of targeting large-scale drug cartels and dismantling organized trafficking networks operating within and beyond state borders. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, real-time intelligence, and inter-agency coordination, the ANTF has proven to be a powerful tool in the state’s anti-drug efforts.
Since its formation, the ANTF has registered 269 criminal cases and arrested 744 individuals involved in narcotics crimes. The task force has additionally confiscated 29,520 kilograms of narcotics, valued at approximately Rs 283 crore. Furthermore, using provisions under the PIT NDPS Act (Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act), the ANTF has detained 10 major mafia figures, effectively crippling key segments of the drug syndicates.
Vision for a ‘Nasha Mukt Uttar Pradesh’
DGP Rajeev Krishna underlined that the ultimate goal is not just to arrest drug traffickers, but to “eliminate the drug culture and protect future generations from falling into addiction.” The ANTF is being strengthened further with new equipment, trained personnel, and district-level coordination.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been vocal about the need to cleanse society of the drug menace. Under his leadership, the state’s anti-narcotics strategy has evolved to integrate both preventive education and legal deterrence, aiming to make UP a model for other states.
The police have called upon citizens, educators, and youth leaders to actively participate in the ongoing mission. “This is not just a police responsibility, it’s a collective fight,” said one senior officer. With continued public cooperation and institutional commitment, authorities believe that a “Nasha Mukt Uttar Pradesh” is not just a slogan, but an achievable reality.
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