DRUG MENACE

• Drug menace denotes the twin challenge of illicit narcotics trafficking (supply) and substance abuse (demand) confronting India, governed primarily by the NDPS Act, 1985.
• Strategically critical: India lies between the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan-Iran-Pakistan) and Golden Triangle (Myanmar-Laos-Thailand) — making border, internal security and youth welfare interlinked.
• Government has set a "Drug-Free India by 2029" target with a 2026-2029 three-year roadmap requiring time-bound review.