The Indian government has launched a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, with a focus on removing foreign nationals involved in the illicit activities. Over 16,000 individuals are slated to be deported as part of this operation. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is leading the effort to send these individuals back to their home countries.
Countries from which these foreign nationals originate include Bangladesh, the Philippines, Myanmar, Malaysia, Ghana, and Nigeria. The NCB provided the intelligence and reports used to support the decision. The individuals are accused of being involved in the drug trade, from the smuggling to the distribution network. They are currently being held in detention facilities across multiple states.
The deportation process is set to begin soon, and the government will follow the new immigration laws. The removal of these individuals is a key step in combating the drug menace.
Over the past decade, India has made considerable strides in combating drug trafficking, seizing over one crore kilograms of illicit substances. The MHA also revealed that seaports across the country have yielded significant drug seizures over the past five years, with the value of the confiscated drugs exceeding ₹11,311 crore, in 19 cases. Data was presented in the Lok Sabha, addressing concerns about increasing drug seizures at ports. The seizures occurred in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, involving substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and tramadol.