Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has intensified its efforts to curb the illegal transportation, trafficking and trade of narcotic substances, with Agricultural Production Commissioner Deepak Kumar directing authorities to undertake coordinated and sustained action across the state.
Chairing the second meeting of the State-Level Committee of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), Deepak Kumar reviewed measures to combat drug abuse, strengthen enforcement against narcotics trafficking, expand de-addiction awareness campaigns and improve coordination among various government departments.
He instructed officials to maintain regular surveillance of identified drug trafficking hotspots in every district and implement long-term strategies to reduce their vulnerability. Stressing the need for stricter enforcement, he directed agencies to maximise the seizure of illegal narcotic substances through intensive operations targeting transportation networks, trafficking and illicit trade.
The Commissioner also ordered that all seized narcotic substances be disposed of strictly in accordance with the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). He called for effective prosecution of offenders under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, along with the attachment and confiscation of illegally acquired assets. Departments were further directed to closely monitor the misuse of precursor chemicals and other controlled substances.
Emphasising the importance of prevention and public participation, Deepak Kumar instructed departments to conduct regular anti-drug awareness campaigns through cinemas, digital platforms and other mass communication channels. He also asked district authorities to prepare comprehensive action plans through NCORD with active coordination among all stakeholder departments.
To strengthen the state’s anti-drug framework, he directed officials to ensure speedy disposal of pending cases in NDPS courts, expand and strengthen de-addiction centres, and periodically review the number of licensed cannabis (bhang) shops, limiting them wherever necessary.
The Commissioner further mandated that NCORD district-level committee meetings be held every month to improve inter-departmental coordination. To protect young people from substance abuse, he suggested random drug screening in colleges and hostels using rapid testing kits wherever required, followed by counselling and rehabilitation for those who test positive.
Highlighting the role of citizens in the fight against narcotics, Deepak Kumar said combating drug abuse is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement agencies but requires active community participation. He urged officials to spread awareness about the ‘MANAS’ National Narcotics Helpline Portal and the 1933 helpline, through which citizens can confidentially report illegal drug sale, trafficking or storage.
During the meeting, IG, Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Abdul Hamid presented the state’s enforcement statistics. He informed the committee that by May 2026, Uttar Pradesh had registered 2,335 cases under anti-narcotics laws, arrested 3,361 accused, and seized 20,578 kilograms of narcotic substances.
He added that during 2026, the ANTF alone registered 108 cases, arrested 224 accused, and recovered 5,011.90 kilograms of narcotics.
Providing details of long-term enforcement efforts, Abdul Hamid said that since the formation of the ANTF in 2022 until June 15, 2026, authorities have disposed of 3,83,333 kilograms of seized narcotic substances with an estimated value of ₹1,325 crore. Additionally, assets worth approximately ₹80 crore have been attached in 67 cases under the NDPS Act.
Senior officials from various departments attended the meeting and discussed measures to further strengthen the state’s coordinated response against narcotics trafficking and substance abuse.
