The Union Home Minister announced a 1033 helpline to combat drug trafficking and promised action within three hours of a complaint.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday called for a collective effort to ensure Gujarat becomes drug-free by December 2028. Addressing a public meeting in Ahmedabad, Shah stated that the state should lead the country by meeting this goal one year ahead of the national target of December 31, 2029.
According to reports from ANI and The New Indian Express, Shah announced that a toll-free helpline and control room at 1033 will become operational on December 1, 2026. He promised that authorities would take action within three hours of receiving complaints regarding drug trafficking or consumption, while ensuring the identity of informants remains confidential.
Shah warned that drug abuse threatens the future of the younger generation by weakening their physical and mental capabilities. He also alleged that proceeds from the drug trade are used to finance terrorist activities in the country.
The Minister appealed to teachers to monitor students for signs of addiction, such as red eyes or drowsiness, and urged parents to seek medical help without social embarrassment. He noted that rehabilitation centres are being established to assist those struggling with addiction.
During the event, Shah also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various development projects in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency worth over Rs 1,400 crore. These include the Rs 464 crore ISKCON-Sanand Elevated Corridor and several housing projects under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
