Why in news?

While chairing the 7th apex level meeting of Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD), Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called for ruthless action against drug smuggling syndicates.

The Minister launched a toll-free helpline called MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra) with the number 1933. Along with this, a web portal and a mobile app were introduced to allow citizens to connect with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) 24/7.

People can use these platforms to share anonymous information about drug dealing and trafficking or to seek advice on issues like drug abuse, quitting drugs, and rehabilitation.

What’s in today’s article?

• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
• Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)
• Fight against drug menace – India’s regulatory framework
• Key highlights of the speech made by the minister

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

• About: NCB is the apex drug law enforcement and intelligence agency of India, established in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), 1985.
  • The NCB is responsible for combating drug trafficking and the abuse of illegal substances.
• Nodal ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)

• About
  • The NCORD mechanism was formed in 2016 for better coordination between states and Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • It has been further strengthened through a four-tier system in 2019.
• Aim
  • NCORD has been established to enhance coordination among various central and state agencies involved in combating drug trafficking and abuse.
  • It is designed to facilitate better communication, cooperation, and intelligence sharing among law enforcement and drug control agencies.
• Structure
  • Apex Level NCORD Committee, headed by Union Home Secretary;
  • Executive Level NCORD Committee, headed by Special Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs;
  • State Level NCORD Committees, headed by Chief Secretaries; and
  • District Level NCORD Committees – headed by District Magistrates.

Fight against drug menace – India’s regulatory framework

• Article 47 of the Indian Constitution
  • The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is based on the Directive Principles, contained in Article 47 of the Indian Constitution.
  • The Article directs the State to endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drugs injurious to health.
• Signatory to international conventions
  • India is a signatory to:
    • the single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, the Conventions on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 and
    • the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.
• Existing Laws
  • The broad legislative policy is contained in the three Central Acts:
    • Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940,
    • The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and
    • The Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.
• Institutions involved
• The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) was created in 1986 as a nodal agency to fight against this menace.
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) are involved with alcohol and drug demand reduction policies and drug de-addiction programme.
• In order to prevent misuse of dual-use drugs, a permanent inter-ministerial committee has been formed with the ministry of health and family welfare and the ministry of chemicals.
• Technological intervention
  • The NCORD portal has been launched as an effective mechanism for information exchange between various institutions/agencies.
  • A toll-free helpline called MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra) with the number 1933 has been launched.
• Other measures
  • The government aims to achieve drug-free India by 2047 through a 3 points strategy - strengthening of institutional structure, coordination among all narco agencies and extensive public awareness campaign.
  • As part of this strategy a number of steps have been taken which includes:
    • Establishment of a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in each state/UTs.
    • High priority to Drug Disposal drive.
    • Launch of NIDAAN Portal for Narco offenders.
    • Creation of canine squads for drug detection.
    • Strengthening the forensic capabilities.
    • Establishment of Special NDPS Courts and Fast Track Courts.
    • Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) for generating Awareness against drug Abuse.

Key highlights of the speech made by the minister

• Highlighted major challenges posed by synthetic drugs
  • The entire business of such substances is getting linked with terrorism and the money coming from drugs has emerged as the most serious threat to the security of the country.
  • Due to the drugs trade, other channels of economic transactions meant to weaken the economy have also been strengthened.
    • Many such organisations have been formed that are getting involved not only in drugs trade but also in illegal hawala dealings and tax evasion.
• Maritime routes were being used for smuggling drugs
• Maritime routes were being used for smuggling drugs thereby threating India’s maritime security as well.
• Need to shift from a "Need to Know" policy to a "Duty to Share" approach
  • The Minister emphasized that agencies should shift from a "Need to Know" policy to a "Duty to Share" approach.
  • He stated that there should be a strict approach to cutting off drug supply, a strategic approach to reducing demand, and a compassionate approach to minimizing harm.
  • He highlighted that although these three aspects are different, all must be addressed to achieve success in combating drug issues.
• Drug seizure statistics
  • The Minister said that from 2004 to 2023, 1.52 lakh kg of drugs worth ₹5,933 crore were seized.
  • In the 10 years from 2014 to 2024, this quantity increased to 5.43 lakh kg, which is worth more than ₹22,000 crore.