<h1>Finance Minister Oversees Destruction of 44,000 kg of Narcotics Across India to Combat Drug Smuggling.</h1> The Union Finance Minister virtually oversaw the destruction of 44,000 kg of narcotics at 14 locations across India, including sites in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and West Bengal. This event, part of the Ministry of Finance's Iconic Week celebrations, highlighted efforts by Customs and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to combat drug smuggling. The destruction was conducted safely and approved by State Pollution Control Boards. Notable attendees included various public figures and community leaders. India, a major transit route for opiates, faces challenges with drug smuggling, particularly through containers and postal services, and is actively engaged in global anti-drug efforts.