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India-US Launch Anti-Drug Task Force, Target Crypto & Dark Web Cartels

India and the United States have held their first Drug Policy Executive Working Group meeting in Washington DC, reaffirming a shared commitment to countering synthetic drugs and the misuse of digital platforms. The discussions reviewed bilateral cooperation to address the threats of illicit drug trafficking and the diversion of precursor chemicals. This follows a major operation by India's Narcotics Control Bureau which busted a global cartel using crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers across four continents. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated the government's determination to dismantle such networks, with the operation triggering crackdowns in the US and Australia.

Key Points: India-US Drug Policy Group Meets to Combat Illicit Trafficking

  • Inaugural drug policy working group concluded
  • Focus on synthetic opioids and digital platforms
  • NCB busted a major global drug cartel
  • Cooperation spans four continents and 10+ countries
3 min read

India and US discuss threats of illicit drug trafficking, diversion of precursor chemicals

India and the US held inaugural drug policy talks, targeting synthetic opioids, precursor chemicals, and digital platforms used by global cartels.

"PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji led govt is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth - Amit Shah"

Washington, Jan 22

India and the United States have concluded the inaugural Drug Policy Executive Working Group meeting in Washington DC while reaffirming commitment to countering synthetic opioids, novel precursors and misuse of digital platforms, the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Thursday.

"India and the US held the Inaugural Drug Policy Executive Working Group meeting in Washington DC (20-22 Jan 2026). Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering synthetic opioids, novel precursors and misuse of digital platforms, while balancing effective enforcement with facilitation of legitimate trade," the MEA posted on X.

India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra had delivered opening remarks at the meeting during which the two sides reviewed the progress in mutual efforts and continuing cooperation to address the threats of illicit drug trafficking and the diversion of precursor chemicals.

"Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra delivered opening remarks at the India-US Drug Policy Framework Executive Group meeting on Counter-narcotics Cooperation along with Ms Sara Carter, Director of Office of President Trump's Drug Czar. Discussions reviewed the progress in mutual efforts and continuing cooperation to address the threats of illicit drug trafficking and the diversion of precursor chemicals. Effective, focused enforcement through active bilateral coordination to curb such illicit flows was emphasized," the Indian Embassy in the US posted on X.

Last July, the US Embassy in India had expressed gratitude to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian authorities for helping protect Americans against illegal drugs.

In a post on X, the US Embassy in India had stated, "Thanks to NCB and Indian authorities for helping protect Americans against illegal drugs and saving American lives!"

The Embassy's statement came in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's post on X, where he congratulated NCB and other agencies for busting a global drug cartel. He stated that Indian agencies are constantly monitoring the sophisticated modes like crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers used by these gangs.

"Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. The probe set a stellar example of multi-agency coordination, resulting in 8 arrests and seizures of 5 consignments while triggering crackdowns in the US and Australia against the ring that operates across 4 continents and 10+ nations," Home Minister Shah had posted on X.

"Our agencies are constantly monitoring the sophisticated modes like crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers used by these gangs. PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji led govt is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from," he mentioned.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the NCB and the HQ Operations Unit had dismantled a transnational drug trafficking syndicate that used encrypted digital platforms, drop shipping models, and cryptocurrency to smuggle controlled medicines across four continents.

The routine vehicle interception near Bengali Market in New Delhi unravelled into a criminal web operating across India, the US, Australia, and Europe. This operation uncovered a global network spanning four continents and more than 10 countries.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has seen the opioid crisis devastate communities in the US, it's encouraging to see proactive collaboration. The focus on digital platforms and crypto is spot-on—that's where the trade has moved. Hope this leads to concrete action.
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Ananya R
Good move, but enforcement is only one side. We need massive awareness campaigns in schools and colleges too. Parents need to be educated. Stopping the demand is as important as stopping the supply.
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Vikram M
The NCB bust was impressive work. Using crypto and drop shipping... these cartels are tech-savvy. Our agencies need to be even more tech-savvy. Continuous training and investment in cyber forensics is a must. Jai Hind!
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Michael C
While the cooperation is commendable, I hope the "balancing effective enforcement with facilitation of legitimate trade" part is taken seriously. Overly strict controls can hamper our pharmaceutical exports, which are crucial for the economy. The policy needs to be precise.
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Priya S
It starts from our neighborhoods. We must be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Cooperation with the US is great, but the real fight is at the grassroots level in every Indian city and town. Let's protect our future generation.

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