India’s New Blueprint to Stop Drugs Shipping via Couriers

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the administration is in the midst of shaping a dedicated plan to curb the flow of narcotics that slip through the nation’s courier and postal networks. He admitted that, while a “leak‑proof” system does not yet exist, the intent is to intercept large shipments in one decisive move.

"We are currently discussing this with several experts and agencies," Shah told ANI. "I can’t share the details right now, but a new strategy is definitely in the pipeline."

Beyond the courier issue, Shah painted a bigger picture: a nationwide ambition to render India “drug‑free” by 2029. The vision hinges on a “bottom‑to‑top” investigative model that traces substances from street‑level users back to the international kingpins who profit from the trade.

He warned that narcotics not only ruin lives, they also feed “narco‑terror” networks that finance extremist activities. "Since 2019 we have overhauled systems, dismantled networks, broken financial chains and helped victims escape addiction," Shah said, noting a shift from fragmented, silo‑based policing to a coordinated, national‑security priority.

The minister outlined a multi‑pronged approach that combines traditional policing with high‑tech tools. A dedicated task force now runs a “bottom‑to‑top” and “top‑to‑bottom” investigation strategy, leveraging the PIT‑NDPS Act, financial probes, and a new Darknet‑Crypto Cell to monitor encrypted chats, crypto‑payments and “dead‑drop” deliveries.

Inter‑ministerial mechanisms have also been set up to tackle precursor chemicals, synthetic drugs and diversion cases. According to Shah, these coordinated efforts have already delivered “excellent results,” though he cautioned that the battle is far from over.

While the specifics of the courier‑focused plan remain under wraps, the message is clear: the government is moving beyond piecemeal raids toward a sustained, technology‑enabled crackdown aimed at cutting the supply chain at its roots.