7th Apex Level Meeting of Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)

• Union Home Minister’s Directive: Amit Shah called for stringent actions against drug smuggling syndicates during the 7th apex level meeting of NCORD.
• New Initiatives:
• Toll-Free Helpline: MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra) with the number 1933 was launched to provide 24/7 assistance and information related to drug issues.
• Digital Tools: A new web portal and mobile app were introduced to facilitate constant connectivity with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

• Establishment: The NCB is India’s apex drug law enforcement and intelligence agency, created in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), 1985.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)

• Formation: Established in 2016 to improve coordination among states and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Strengthening: Enhanced with a four-tier system in 2019.
• Aim: To improve coordination among central and state agencies combating drug trafficking and abuse.
• Structure:
• Apex Level Committee: Headed by Union Home Secretary.
• Executive Level Committee: Led by Special Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• State Level Committees: Chaired by Chief Secretaries.
• District Level Committees: Directed by District Magistrates.

India’s Regulatory Framework Against Drug Menace

• Constitutional Basis:
• Article 47: Directs the State to prohibit intoxicating drugs injurious to health, except for medicinal purposes.
• International Conventions:
• Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 (amended by 1972 Protocol)
• Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971
• United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988
• Existing Laws:
• Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
• Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988
• Institutions Involved:
• NCB: Apex agency for drug law enforcement.
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW): Manages drug demand reduction policies and de-addiction programs.
• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE): Also involved in drug de-addiction.
• Permanent Inter-Ministerial Committee: Formed with MoHFW and Ministry of Chemicals to prevent misuse of dual-use drugs.
• Technological Interventions:
• NCORD Portal: Facilitates effective information exchange among various agencies.
• MANAS Helpline: Provides 24/7 support for drug-related queries.

Other Government Measures:

• Three-Point Strategy for a Drug-Free India by 2047:
• Institutional Strengthening
• Enhanced Coordination Among Narco Agencies
• Public Awareness Campaigns
• Specific Steps Taken:
• Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF): Established in each state/UT.
• Drug Disposal Drive: Prioritized for effective drug management.
• NIDAAN Portal: Launched for tracking narco offenders.
• Canine Squads: Created for drug detection.
• Forensic Capabilities: Strengthened to support drug law enforcement.
• Special NDPS Courts: Established along with Fast Track Courts for expeditious handling of cases.
• Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA): Public awareness campaign against drug abuse.

These measures and initiatives aim to enhance India’s ability to combat drug trafficking, improve coordination among various agencies, and promote a drug-free society through comprehensive policy and enforcement strategies.