By Narcotics Control Bureau was set up as apex agency drug law enforcement agency with aspect to coordinate of various central / state agencies in the matter related with drug law in the country. Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances have several medical and scientific uses. India’s approach towards Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is enshrined in Article 47 of the Constitution of India which mandates that the “State shall endeavor to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health.”
Three international conventions on drugs as follows:
1. Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs, 1961
2. Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971
3. The UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988
India has signed on above three international conventions.
The Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 was formulated into account India’s obligations under the three UN drug conventions as well as Article 47 of the constitution. This Act banned, except for medical or scientific purposes, the manufacture, production, trade, use, etc. of narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances.
The NCB has its headquarter in New Delhi. It is headed by a Director General, who is assisted by Deputy Director Generals, Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors. The organization has zonal offices at Mumbai, Kolkata, Jodhpur, Delhi, Chennai and Varanasi, and regional office at Imphal.
Power and Functions:
1. The NCB is a nodal agency to co-ordinate with various offices, state governments and other authorities under this Act, Customs Act, Drugs and Cosmetics Act with regard to drug law enforcement.
2. It is also responsible for the implementation of the international obligations against illicit trafficking of narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances under various UN Conventions.
3. It also assists to concerned authorities in foreign countries and concerned international organisations to facilitate coordination and universal action for prevention and suppression of illicit traffic in these drugs and substances.
4. Co-ordination of action taken by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Welfare and other concerned Ministries, Departments or organizations in respect of matters relating to drug abuse.
Classification of Drugs :
1. Narcotics : Opium, Morphine, Heroin
2. Depressants : Barbiturates, Tranquilizers
3. Stimulants : Amphetamine, Cocaine
4. Hallucinogens : LSD, Charas, Ganja, Mescaline
Source : http://narcoticsindia.nic.in , http://nicfs.gov.in
UPSC: Mains Topic: International Security and Health segments
