Operation Global-Hunt: Key Details

  • Launch: Three-year strategic initiative to dismantle international drug networks
  • Target: Around 100 international drug networks run by Indian fugitives
  • Drugs Involved: Heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, and synthetic drugs
  • Tools Used: INTERPOL notices (Red Corner Notices) and asset freezing
  • Coordination: NCB, Mumbai Police, Gujarat ATS, and international authorities
  • Policy Framework: Part of India's 'zero tolerance' anti-narcotics policy
  • Monitoring: Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) with targets up to 2029

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): Overview

Establishment and Structure

  • Headquartered: New Delhi
  • Constituted: 1986 under the NDPS Act, 1985
  • Parent Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs
  • Role: Apex drug law enforcement and intelligence agency in India

Functions and Powers

  • Coordinates with central and state agencies for enforcement
  • Implements drug control policies
  • Intelligence gathering on narcotics trafficking
  • Asset seizure and forfeiture
  • Cross-border liaison with international agencies

Major Legislation Governing Drugs in India

  1. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 - Primary legislation
  2. Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 - Regulates drug manufacturing and sale
  3. Prevention of Illicit Traffic in NDPS Act, 1988 - Prevents illegal drug trade
  4. National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances - Policy framework

International Conventions India is Party To

  1. Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 (as amended by 1972 Protocol)
  2. Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971
  3. UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988

Significance for India

  • Security Threat: Drug trafficking fuels organized crime, terrorism financing, and money laundering
  • International Cooperation: Operation Global-Hunt demonstrates India's ability to coordinate with foreign law enforcement
  • Policy Implementation: Supports India's zero-tolerance approach toward narcotics
  • Criminal Justice: Enables extradition and prosecution of Indian fugitives operating abroad
  • National Campaign: Planned nationwide anti-drug campaign with defined targets up to 2029