Government has extended the anti-narcotics scheme for 3 more years to combats illicit trafficking in drugs and psychotropic substance. <br/><br/>The purpose of the scheme is to assist state governments and Union Territories which are contributing in controlling the inter-state and cross border drug trafficking. <br/><br/>In a notification, Home Ministry said, the assistance to States and Union territories for narcotics control has been extended from 2017-18 to 2019-20 with an estimated budget of Rs. 21 crore. <br/><br/>It said, financial assistance will be provided to all the anti-narcotics agencies for strengthening their enforcement capabilities to combat illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. <br/><br/>Financial assistance is also proposed to be provided for all capacity building activities, including training of personnel.<br/><br/>According to the latest assessments, there are approximately 40 lakh drug addicts in the country. <br/><br/>The most common drugs of abuse are ganja, hashish, opium and heroin.