NCB Annual Report 2024 and India’s Fight Against Drug Trafficking

Narcotics Control Bureau Overview

NCB Annual Report 2024 and India’s Fight Against Drug Trafficking: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is the apex national agency to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. It was established in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The Bureau functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs and has its headquarters in New Delhi.

Static GK fact: The NDPS Act, 1985 provides stringent provisions for control and regulation of operations relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

India’s Geographical Vulnerability

India is uniquely positioned between two major global drug-producing regions. The Death Crescent comprising Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran lies to the west, while the Death Triangle of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos lies to the east. These routes make India highly vulnerable to transnational drug trafficking networks.

Border states such as Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir are frequently exploited for heroin smuggling from Pakistan. Similarly, the north-eastern states are targeted due to their proximity to Myanmar’s production hubs.

Coastal Routes of Drug Trafficking

Smugglers increasingly exploit India’s vast coastline. Ports and coastal states like Mumbai, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are being used to smuggle synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals. This highlights the shift from traditional plant-based drugs to chemically manufactured narcotics.

Static GK Tip: India has a coastline of over 7,500 km, making maritime surveillance a critical factor in curbing trafficking.

Emerging Trends in Narcotics Trade

Recent years have seen a rise in synthetic drugs such as Methamphetamine, LSD, and Mephedrone. Clandestine laboratories have been discovered in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, and North-East India.

The rise of darknet platforms and cryptocurrency transactions has provided traffickers with anonymity and global reach. Moreover, drones have been increasingly used to transport narcotics across the India–Pakistan border, making interdiction more complex. Maritime trafficking through ports like Chabahar, Gwadar, and Karachi adds another layer of challenge.

Government Initiatives

The Indian government has taken multiple steps to counter drug trafficking. Important initiatives include:

• Prevention of Illicit Traffic in NDPS Act, 1988
• National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD) for inter-agency coordination
• National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco Offenders (NIDAAN) for intelligence sharing
• MANAS Helpline to provide assistance and awareness
• Drug-Free India Campaign to strengthen social awareness and rehabilitation

Static GK fact: The NCORD mechanism functions under the direct supervision of the Union Home Minister to ensure coordination between central and state agencies.

Steps Suggested for Stronger Action

Experts suggest that states must formulate comprehensive strategies to dismantle cartels at three levels: entry points, state distribution, and local networks. A joint mechanism involving NCB, CBI, and state police is vital to track fugitives and foreign criminals.

States are also encouraged to establish special squads for following financial trails, monitoring hawala networks, and conducting cyber checks on crypto-based transactions. Leveraging emerging technologies like AI and blockchain analysis will be crucial to dismantle drug syndicates effectively.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

NCB Annual Report 2024 and India’s Fight Against Drug Trafficking: