The government has extended the anti-narcotics scheme for 3 more years to combat illicit trafficking in drugs and psychotropic substance.
The purpose of the scheme is to assist states and Union Territories, which are contributing in controlling the inter-state and cross-border drug trafficking.
In a notification, the Home Ministry said, the assistance for narcotics control has been extended, with an estimated budget of 21 crore rupees. According to the latest assessments, there are approximately 40 lakh drug addicts in the country. The most common drugs of abuse are ganja, hashish, opium and heroin.
In a notification, the Home Ministry said, the assistance to States and Union territories for narcotics control has been extended with an estimated budget of 21 crore rupees.
It said financial assistance will be provided to all the anti-narcotics agencies for strengthening their enforcement capabilities to combat illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Financial assistance is also proposed to be provided for all capacity building activities, including training of personnel.
The scheme was first launched on October 24, 2004 for a period of five years and later extended twice in subsequent years. According to the latest assessments, there are approximately 40 lakh drug addicts in the country.
