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India's Global Drug Fight: 46 New Pacts to Curb International Trafficking

India is taking major steps on the world stage to tackle drug trafficking. The government has inked a total of 46 agreements with other countries to boost cooperation. These pacts focus on sharing real-time intelligence and conducting joint operations. The effort also includes strengthening coastal surveillance to stop the flow of synthetic drugs.

Key Points: India Signs 46 Pacts with Nations to Combat International Drug Trade

  • India signed bilateral agreements with 27 countries and MoUs with 19 others for drug control
  • NCB collaborates with SAARC, BRICS, ASEAN, and UNODC for intelligence sharing
  • Real-time information exchange occurs with agencies like the US DEA and UK's NCA
  • Maritime surveillance strengthened to prevent coastal trafficking of synthetic drugs
2 min read

46 MoUs, bilateral agreements signed with other nations to check drug trade: Centre

India strengthens global fight against drug trafficking, signing 46 bilateral agreements and MoUs with nations worldwide for intelligence sharing and joint operations.

"The NCB coordinates with various international organisations for sharing information and intelligence to combat transnational drug trafficking. - Minister Nityanand Rai"

New Delhi, Dec 16

India has signed Bilateral Agreements with 27 countries and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with 19 countries as part of efforts at the international level to control drug trafficking, the Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, said the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) coordinates with various international organisations for sharing information and intelligence to combat transnational drug trafficking.

For combating illicit trafficking of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) and Chemical Precursors as well as related offences, the NCB works closely with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation - Drug Offences Monitoring Desk (SAARC-SDOMD), Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS), Colombo Plan, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD).

The NCB also works with the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-Operation (BIMSTEC), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

Rai said that the NCB takes part in real-time information sharing with various Drug Liaison Officers of other countries such as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of the United States of America, the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) of Canada, Australian Federal Police (AFP) of Australia, Office Anti-Stupefiants (OFAST) of France, for operational and intelligence information.

He said Director General Level Talks/ Bilateral talks are also organised with neighbouring and other countries such as Myanmar, Iran, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Singapore, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, etc., to resolve various issues on drug -trafficking having international implications.

The MoS said maritime surveillance systems have been strengthened to prevent the trafficking of drugs, including synthetic drugs, through coastal regions.

India is actively participating in Global coalitions to address synthetic drugs. This involves increased information sharing, joint operations and collaborative efforts to track and disrupt international drug trafficking networks, he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good move, but implementation is everything. We have strong laws, but enforcement at the ground level needs to be stricter. Hope these MoUs translate into real action and fewer drugs on our streets.
R
Rahul R
Strengthening maritime surveillance is crucial. We have a long coastline that smugglers exploit. Cooperation with countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh is also vital given our porous land borders in the northeast.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living here, it's reassuring to see India working with agencies like the DEA and UK's NCA. The synthetic drug problem is global. This collaborative approach is the only way to dismantle these international networks.
A
Aman W
While international agreements are good, we must also focus heavily on rehabilitation and awareness within India. Punishing addicts isn't the solution. We need to save our children from this menace through education and support.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I hope this isn't just another paperwork exercise. We see news of big seizures, but the kingpins often remain untouched. The real test is whether these talks with Iran, Afghanistan, etc., lead to high-profile arrests and conviction.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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