A silver jubilee function of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) was organized last week to celebrate 25 years of its existence. Union Home Minister P Chidambaram graced this occasion as chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Chidambaram expressed concern over drug menace having reached homes today. He said that sale of drugs near schools and colleges, rave parties across big and small cities and towns of India was on the rise. The minister felt that drug problem in our country is as big a problem as any other internal security threat. He praised NCB for its remarkable efforts despite severe shortage of manpower. He said that efforts will be made to increase the manpower of NCB four fold in next four years. Chidambaram also urged all the officers of NCB to continue to work hard to face the grave challenge of increased drug problem.
In his welcome address DG, NCB O.P.S. Malik spoke about the journey of the organization in the last two decades, its growth in manpower, augmentation of logistics and the challenges. He mentioned that all sincere endeavours would be made to fulfill its mandate.
NCB is the premier law enforcement and coordinating agency of India responsible for combating drug trafficking. The organisation addresses the issue of drugs in a holistic manner by evolving strategies to coordinate national and international efforts including various international conventions and protocols to reduce the supply and demand of drugs.
Over the years, NCB has been able to make a remarkable increase in its resources, both manpower and material. In 1986, NCB had the manpower strength of 164 personnel which has increased to 898 in 2011, besides substantial logistic augmentation. NCB was started with five zones and today it has 13 zones, 12 intelligence cells and three regional deputy director generals across the country.
In order to achieve the goal of a drug free society, NCB intends to enhance its capabilities in a qualitative manner. Towards this end, NCB is planning to set up a National Academy of Drugs (NAD) and Central Drug Analysis Laboratory.
On this occasion, Union Home Minister released the periodical ‘NARCONTROL’, quarterly newsletter of NCB. He also flagged off “Run Against Drug Abuse” to create awareness in which important sports personalities, schools and college students, NCC cadets, scouts, members of civil society among others participated.
Minister of State for Home, Mullappally Ramachandaran, Union Home Secretary Gopal Krishna Pillai, former director generals of NCB, delegates from states and many other dignitaries from various fields including representatives from UNODC & NGOs were also present during this function.
