NCB plans stronger intelligence in villages to curb smuggling
In a major step to counter the growing menace of cross-border smuggling, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has decided to enhance its intelligence network in villages located along the India-Pakistan border. The move comes in the wake of increasing instances of large-scale smuggling of drugs and weapons from across the border.
As part of its strategy, the NCB has begun reaching out to village panchayats and local residents, urging them to share information about drug smugglers and cartel networks. Officials said that announcements are also being made from gurdwaras in border areas to encourage community participation in reporting suspicious activities, particularly related to consignments being dropped via drones.
According to NCB officials, Pakistan-based traffickers have escalated their operations by deploying heavy drones to transport narcotics and arms across the International Border, posing a serious challenge to enforcement agencies. The agency believes that strengthening grassroots intelligence will play a crucial role in intercepting such consignments and dismantling smuggling networks.
The NCB has also expressed concern over the increasing involvement of youth, particularly those in the 20-25 age group, both in drug abuse and in cross-border smuggling activities. Officials said that vulnerable young individuals are being lured into these networks, making the issue more complex and alarming.
To address this, the NCB is planning to launch extensive awareness drives in schools and colleges to educate students about the dangers of substance abuse and the legal consequences of involvement in drug trafficking.
Earlier in February, Anurag Garg, Director General of NCB, visited several border villages and interacted with residents to understand ground realities and encourage public cooperation in the fight against drugs.
The initiative reflects the NCB’s multi-pronged approach — combining intelligence gathering, community outreach and awareness campaigns — to tackle the evolving threat of cross-border smuggling and work towards a drug-free society.
