Tamil Nadu sanctions Rs 264 crore for Anti-Narcotics Task Force

The Tamil Nadu government has sanctioned Rs 264.14 crore to establish the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) to combat substance abuse and trafficking across the state. The ANTF will consist of 37 units, providing one for each district and additional units for nine city commissionerates, including Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai. These units will be led by an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) and supported by a specialized headquarters overseeing intelligence, cyber investigations, and legal support.

To enhance enforcement, the state is implementing a dedicated cyber lab and a 24/7 control room accessible via a toll-free number, WhatsApp, and the ‘Drug Free Tamil Nadu App’. The app allows students and teachers to anonymously report suspected narcotics activity near educational institutions.

In conjunction with these institutional measures, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay led a state-level anti-drug campaign in Chennai. During the event, the Chief Minister administered a mass pledge to students and the public, emphasizing the need for collective action from families and educational institutions to build a drug-free society.