Describing the drug menace as a serious problem, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Wednesday, called for a coordinated fight by the Centre and the states against it.

The drug menace was destroying generations and the profits being made from the drugs were being utilised for terrorism as well, he claimed while replying to the debate in the Lok Sabha on the problem of drug abuse in the country and the steps taken by the government to deal with it.

Amit Shah said that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) could conduct probes across the country. “NCB is ready to help each and every state if there’s a need to do an inter-state probe. Even the NIA can help the states if the probe needs to be conducted outside the country,” he added.

The Union Home Minister also reiterated the Centre’s zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse. “Our government’s policy is very clear: those consuming drugs are victims. We should be sensitive towards them and give the victims a conducive atmosphere for their rehabilitation. But those involved in drug trafficking should not be spared,” he said.

He was of the view that there was a need for stopping the entry of drugs through borders, ports and airports. The Revenue Department, the NCB and the anti-narcotics agencies have to work against the menace by being on the same page, he said.

”Our government has a zero-tolerance policy towards the issue of drugs. Those countries promoting terrorism in our country are using the profits from drugs for the same. The presence of this dirty money also gradually makes our economy hollow,” he added.

The Home Minister said drugs were coming into India from Gulf countries and many people involved in it have been arrested while factories have been sealed. On the basis of this, raids were conducted in 12 states and people were arrested there too.

Border surveillance was the responsibility of the BSF. But when rights were given to the force, it was alleged that the rights of the states were being taken away, he noted and wondered how the BSF would work. ”The BSF seizes drugs but doesn’t have the right to file cases, those politicising this issue are promoting drug trafficking.”