The 9th Apex-Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre was held in New Delhi, with a renewed focus on strengthening India’s anti-drug strategy. The meeting brought into light coordinated action against drug supply chains, demand reduction, harm reduction, and tighter monitoring of enforcement outcomes. It also marked the inauguration of the Narcotics Control Bureau office in Amritsar.
NCORD and its Structure
NCORD was established in 2016 to improve coordination among the Union government, States, and enforcement agencies in tackling drug abuse and trafficking. It has a four-tier structure:
- Apex Level Committee, headed by the Union Home Secretary.
- Executive Level Committee, headed by the Special Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.
- State Level Committees, headed by Chief Secretaries.
- District Level Committees, headed by District Magistrates.
Key Anti-Drug Priorities
The meeting stressed a time-bound roadmap up to 2029 and regular review of implementation. The focus was placed on:
- Action against drug kingpins, financiers, and logistics networks.
- Greater use of Forensic Science Laboratories in investigations.
- Faster filing of charge sheets and higher conviction rates.
- Regular meetings at district and State levels.
Seizures and Destruction of Drugs
The address noted a sharp rise in seizures in recent years. Between 2004 and 2013, drugs worth about ₹40,000 crore were seized, while from 2014 to 2025, seizures rose to about ₹1.71 lakh crore. The quantity of seized drugs destroyed has also increased . Opium crop destruction has expanded from 10,770 acres in 2020 to 40,000 acres by November 2025.
Three-Pronged National Campaign
A three-year collective campaign is planned from 31 March 2026 to intensify the fight against drugs. The approach will combine strict action against traffickers, strategic demand reduction, and humane support for victims. The broader goal is to build a permanent system for a drug-free India and protect the youth from narcotics.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026