New Government Plan to Stop Drug Shipments Through Couriers

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed that the government is in the midst of drafting a brand‑new strategy aimed at choking off the flow of illegal drugs that slip through courier companies and the postal network. He admitted that, as of today, there is no “leak‑proof” system in place, but the objective is clear: to seize large consignments of narcotics in a single sweep.

“We are talking to a number of stakeholders and experts, and a concrete plan is in the pipeline,” Shah said, adding that he could not disclose the details just yet. The minister’s remarks came in response to a query from ANI about existing measures to combat drug shipments via parcels.

Beyond the immediate crackdown, Shah painted a broader picture – a vision to render India “drug‑free” by 2029. To reach that milestone, the ministry is leaning on a “bottom‑to‑top” investigative model, which traces substances from street‑level users back to the international kingpins who finance and coordinate the trade.

He reminded listeners that narcotics not only devastate families but also generate “dirty money” that fuels terrorism, creating what he termed “narco‑terror” networks across the globe. Since 2019, the government claims to have overhauled outdated systems, dismantled trafficking rings, broken financial links, and set up support structures for victims of addiction.

According to Shah, the approach has evolved from a fragmented, unit‑level effort pre‑2014 to a coordinated national security priority. The current framework blends “bottom‑to‑top” and “top‑to‑bottom” investigations, with a heavy emphasis on financial forensics and the use of the PIT‑NDPS Act.

To bolster the fight, a high‑level task force has been formed, equipped with technology‑driven tools that monitor darknet activities, encrypted communications, crypto‑payments and “dead‑drop” delivery methods. A dedicated Darknet‑Crypto Cell operates within this task force, while an inter‑ministerial mechanism tackles issues related to precursor chemicals, synthetic drugs, and diversion.

Shah concluded that these layered actions have already borne “excellent results,” and that the upcoming courier‑specific strategy will further tighten the net around traffickers. The ministry plans to roll out the new measures in the coming weeks, though the exact operational details remain under wraps for now.