Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to inaugurate the third National Conference of Anti Narcotics Task Force Heads from States and Union Territories in New Delhi today. The two day meeting will bring together representatives from all 36 States and Union Territories to discuss efforts to strengthen action against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

During the programme, Amit Shah will also lay the foundation stones for new Narcotics Control Bureau zone complexes in Lucknow and Dehradun. Television commercials aimed at creating greater public awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse will also be released during the event.

The conference is being held under the theme United Resolve, Shared Responsibility. Discussions will review the progress made on targets assigned to State and Union Territory Anti Narcotics Task Forces and examine measures being taken to tackle drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for States, government departments and other agencies to coordinate their efforts and develop stronger strategies for the coming three years. Key areas of discussion will include enforcement, intelligence and operations, control of synthetic drugs, demand reduction, rehabilitation, capacity building and coordination.

The conference will also focus on strengthening cooperation between the Narcotics Control Bureau and Anti Narcotics Task Forces across the country. The discussions are expected to support a more coordinated approach towards preventing drug abuse and advancing the goal of building a drug free India.