International Day Against Drug Abuse: Nasha Mukt Bharat Initiatives and Enforcement Achievements

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: June 26

Annually observed on June 26, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, often referred to as World Drug Day, highlights the pressing need for collective action towards achieving a drug-free society. The theme for 2024, “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention,” emphasizes the importance of adopting science-based, compassionate, and rights-respecting drug policies.

CBIC Directives for Awareness Initiatives

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has announced directives for all Customs field formations, which include the following initiatives:

Collaborating with schools, colleges, NGOs, and state governments from June 12 to June 26, 2025.
Conducting awareness campaigns targeting youth and the general public.
Leveraging social media platforms for broad outreach to support the vision of a drug-free India, known as Nasha Mukt Bharat.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)

The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) is operational in all districts and has reached over 10.73 crore individuals, including 3.39 crore youths and 2.27 crore women. Key components of this program include:

Awareness initiatives on the dangers of drug abuse.
Treatment and rehabilitation programs for affected individuals.
Establishing a strong network of volunteers to support these efforts.

New Directives on Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS)

The Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) is now mandatory for all government employees and PCI-approved educational institutions. Key aspects of this directive involve:

Strict attendance monitoring through regular inspections and penalties for habitual latecomers.
Special accommodations for differently-abled employees to enhance accessibility.
As per the PCI Circular from May 2025, all pharmacy institutions are required to implement AEBAS within 30 days to avert administrative penalties.
Adherence to these measures is crucial for ensuring accountability and transparency within institutions.

Customs and DGGI Achievements: Record Seizures and Duty Evasion Enforcement

Major Gold Seizure at Mumbai Airport

On June 11, 2024, Customs officials successfully seized 32.79 kg of gold, valued at ₹19.15 crores, from two foreign nationals at Mumbai International Airport. The gold was ingeniously concealed within undergarments and luggage and was uncovered through meticulous profiling and proactive customs operations.

GST Evasion by Tobacco Manufacturer

The Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI) Meerut Zonal Unit discovered a GST evasion scheme amounting to nearly ₹480 crore, perpetrated by a chewing tobacco manufacturer in Western Uttar Pradesh. This operation involved the use of decoy e-way bills and extensive searches conducted across manufacturing sites, warehouses, and residences, resulting in the recovery of unaccounted cash and incriminating documents. This success demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted intelligence and enforcement efforts.

Additional Information

World Drug Report 2024: This report highlights the significant global issues posed by synthetic opioids and increasing trafficking, underscoring the need for evidence-based prevention strategies and international collaboration.
Recent GST Amendments: New regulatory amendments introduce stricter compliance measures, requiring tobacco manufacturers to register machines to mitigate tax evasion.
AEBAS for Enhanced Accountability: Recent government circulars emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring, data reconciliation, and firm consequences for non-compliance.
CBIC’s Comprehensive Approach: The CBIC integrates enforcement measures, including seizures and investigations, with community outreach and awareness programs for a comprehensive effect.

FAQs

Q: What is the significance of June 26 for drug prevention?
A: June 26 is acknowledged as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, aimed at enhancing global awareness and actions concerning drug abuse and trafficking.

Q: What is AEBAS and who must comply?
A: The Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) is mandatory for all government employees and PCI-approved institutions to ensure accountability and punctuality in attendance.

Q: What are the latest achievements of Indian Customs and DGGI?
A: Recent achievements include a significant gold seizure at Mumbai Airport (32.79 kg worth ₹19.15 crores) and the detection of ₹480 crore in GST evasion linked to a tobacco manufacturer in Uttar Pradesh.