NCB stresses stronger inter-agency coordination to curb drug trafficking in NE
Imphal, July 2
The Narcotics Control Bureau on Thursday emphasised that robust inter-agency coordination remains the cornerstone of India's efforts to combat drug trafficking and realise the vision of a 'Drug-Free India'.
To further strengthen coordination among enforcement agencies, the NCB held the quarterly state-level Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting for Manipur at the state Police Headquarters in Imphal on Thursday.
According to a post on the NCB's official X handle, the meeting was chaired by NCB Deputy Director General (Northeast Region) R. Sudhakar and attended by senior officials of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department and Customs. The meeting was also attended by senior officials of the Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Railway Protection Force (RPF), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Manipur, Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB) and other law enforcement agencies.
The NCB said that the discussions focused on the prevailing narcotics scenario in the Northeast, emerging trafficking patterns, evolving modus operandi, newly identified trafficking routes and the need for intelligence-driven and coordinated enforcement measures.
The meeting also reviewed major narcotics cases, with particular emphasis on investigations into transnational drug syndicates and the identification of interstate and international linkages.
Deliberations further covered intelligence sharing, joint interrogation of arrested traffickers, coordinated operations and financial investigations aimed at dismantling organised drug trafficking networks, the Bureau said.
Meanwhile, NCB Deputy Director General (Northeast Region) R. Sudhakar on Wednesday met Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and discussed measures to intensify anti-drug initiatives in the state.
The Chief Minister reiterated that his government remains firmly committed to eradicating the drug menace through coordinated, sustained and multi-agency efforts.
An official of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), quoting Singh, said that the state government is resolutely pursuing its fight against drug trafficking and narcotics abuse through a comprehensive strategy involving both enforcement and intelligence-based operations.
The meeting between the Chief Minister and the NCB official focused on strengthening intelligence gathering, enhancing coordination among state, Central and international agencies, and ensuring the effective enforcement of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, to curb drug trafficking and dismantle narcotics networks operating in the region.
Both Manipur and Mizoram have emerged as major drug trafficking corridors in the Northeast because of their long unfenced international borders with Myanmar, which forms part of the notorious "Golden Triangle", one of the world's largest illicit narcotics-producing regions.
Five districts of Manipur, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong and Ukhrul, share a 398-km unfenced international border with Myanmar, making them particularly vulnerable to cross-border smuggling of narcotics and other contraband.
Mizoram also remains highly vulnerable to transnational drug trafficking as it shares a 510-km unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318-km unfenced border with Bangladesh.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone from Mizoram, I can tell you the situation is alarming. Our young people are getting trapped in this because of easy availability from across the border. Good to see CM Khemchand Singh personally involved. But we also need better border fencing and more rehabilitation centers, not just enforcement. Prevention is better than cure, no?
Interesting that they mention financial investigations and ED. That's the key—follow the money to break these transnational syndicates. The NDPS Act is strong, but enforcement is weak because agencies work in silos. If NCB can actually make this JCC mechanism work, it will be a game-changer. Let's see if they walk the talk. 🤔
One thing I don't understand—why are we still having unfenced borders with Myanmar after all these years? 398 km in Manipur alone! That's like an open invitation for smugglers. Yes, coordination is important, but the government should also prioritize fencing and better surveillance. Otherwise, it's like trying to empty the ocean with a spoon.
Having worked in international counter-narcotics, I can say this is a promising approach. The Golden Triangle's impact isn't limited to India—it affects global supply chains. The NCB bringing in NIA, DRI, and even customs shows they understand the transnational nature of this threat. But intelligence-led operations must be consistent, not just quarterly meetings. Good step forward though.
I appreciate the multi-agency approach, but I wish they also focused on the root causes—poverty, lack of education, and unemployment
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.