New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday announced that the drug epidemic is a serious problem throughout the country and pledged to create a "drug-free India" by the year 2047. He called for a "Team India" and "whole of government approach" to combat the menace.

In the nation's capital, Shah made the declaration during the opening ceremony of the first National Conference of Heads of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of States and Union Territories.

"The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is dedicated to eliminating the drug threat. By 2047, we shall have a drug-free India, Shah promised during his speech.

Shah urged a "team India and the entire government approach in the fight against the drug epidemic, putting aside political divisions. In order to combat the drug epidemic, all state governments and agencies must work together, Shah said, stating that "we will have to adopt top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top approach during the investigation of drug trafficking cases."

"I want to tell you today that we are at such a juncture that we can win the battle against the drug menace," the Home Minister said. "Drug users are the innocent bystanders, and drug dealers are the criminals. Such individuals should face harsh punishment, the home minister continued.

However, he promised that "we will establish a new India by 2047" despite the fact that the war against the drug epidemic is an international one and not an easy one.

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