New Delhi, August 4: The central government announced on Tuesday in the Lok Sabha that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has strengthened international cooperation to combat drug trafficking. This initiative includes bilateral agreements with 27 countries and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with 19 nations.
In a written response to questions from MPs Naresh Ganpat Mhaskey and Shrikant Shinde, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai stated that India regularly engages in discussions at the Director General (DG) level with countries such as Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, and the United States regarding drug-related issues.
To address the challenges of illegal drug trafficking and substance abuse, the NCB released the ‘Narcotics Control Vision Document (2026-2029)’ on June 26. This document outlines clear priorities and time-bound goals for the next three years. Its aim is to achieve drug control through the participation of the ‘whole government’ and ‘whole society.’
Rai also mentioned that the NCB has established a four-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism to enhance coordination among law enforcement agencies at both the central and state levels, as well as other stakeholders.
The NCORD portal serves as a unified platform for information related to drug law enforcement. Rai noted that this portal provides resources for training and capacity building, data on drug offenders, legal information, and details of better initiatives undertaken by states.
Additionally, a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) has been formed under the leadership of NCB DG Anurag Garg to oversee investigations into significant drug cases, particularly those linked to narco-terrorism. So far, 11 meetings have been held at the central level and 75 at the state level.
Rai urged police chiefs from all states and union territories to sensitize beat constables, field officers, and station house officers. They are being informed about the risks and warning signs associated with the clandestine production of synthetic drugs, especially mephedrone and amphetamine-type stimulants.
He also highlighted that comprehensive guidelines have been issued to strengthen financial investigations and streamline the identification, tracing, and seizure of assets derived from crime.
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