Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is the nodal Indian federal law enforcement and intelligence agency tasked with combating drug trafficking and the abuse of illegal substances. It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.
Overview and Mandate
The NCB was formed on March 17, 1986, to enable the full implementation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Its motto is "Intelligence, Enforcement, Coordination" (Aasuchana, Pravarthana, Samanvaya).
The primary functions of the NCB include:
- Enforcement: Fighting drug trafficking on an all-India basis through its zonal and sub-zonal offices located across the country.
- Coordination: Serving as the apex coordinating agency for various central and state drug law enforcement agencies, including the Customs Department, State Police, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
- Intelligence: Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence data related to seizures, trends, and modus operandi of drug traffickers.
- International Liaison: Implementing India's obligations under various international conventions and protocols regarding illicit drug trafficking and assisting foreign law enforcement agencies in universal action.
- Awareness and Demand Reduction: Organizing public awareness campaigns and coordinating with other ministries (like the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment) on matters relating to drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
The NCB also monitors the movement of precursor chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs through an online portal called 'Pre-Register'.
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