CM Stalin Sounds Alarm Over Growing Drug Menace in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has sounded a strong alarm over the rapidly growing drug menace that is endangering the lives and futures of the state's youth population, declaring that complete eradication of narcotics is non-negotiable to secure the next generation, during his speech at the Equality March inauguration in Tiruchirappalli on January 2, 2026.

Addressing the gathering organized by MDMK founder Vaiko, Stalin asserted that there exists no political or ideological divide when it comes to combating drugs, which he termed a profound and insidious threat specifically targeting young people, while candidly admitting that the multifaceted measures implemented by the state government, including intensified policing and awareness campaigns, have not yet yielded comprehensive success in stemming the tide.

The Chief Minister detailed how sophisticated smuggling operations are channeling drugs into Tamil Nadu both from other Indian states and international sources, referencing recent major busts involving over one lakh synthetic drug pills across Thiruvallur, Vellore, and Ranipet districts, where arrested smugglers originated from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, as well as foreign nationals from countries including Nigeria and Senegal, underscoring the interstate and transnational dimensions of the crisis.

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Stalin directly appealed to the Union government for immediate and robust action, insisting on stringent surveillance and sealing of known ports and border entry points frequently highlighted in media reports as primary conduits for narcotics trafficking, while emphasizing that only seamless coordination between the Centre and all state governments can effectively dismantle the vast, organized networks fueling the illegal trade.

Beyond governmental efforts, the Chief Minister called upon artistes, filmmakers, content creators on digital platforms, and parents to shoulder societal responsibility, strongly cautioning against any portrayal that romanticizes or normalizes drug consumption which could irreversibly harm an entire generation, and urging families to stay alert to subtle warning signs in children, particularly those drawn toward quick monetary gains through social media reels and short-form content.

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