India has proposed establishing a dedicated virtual working group of BRICS member countries to combat evolving trends in narcotics trafficking. According to reports from UNI, the proposal was made during the BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting in Guwahati that began on Monday. Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) director general Anurag Garg emphasized that the emergence of modern, highly sophisticated trafficking methods has transformed what was once a localized problem into a hyper-connected global threat. Speaking at the inauguration of the meet, Garg said the menace has been turned into a global threat by the emergence of modern, highly sophisticated methods of trafficking. Underlying the role of BRICS in addressing the challenge, Garg said, "I propose the establishment of a dedicated BRICS Virtual Working Group to systematically address these rapidly evolving trends."
The virtual working group would serve as a vital platform for regular meetings, real-time intelligence exchange, analysis of shifting trafficking patterns, and seamless coordination of joint law enforcement operations. As reported by UNI, the mechanism would specifically serve as a vital platform to meet regularly, exchange real-time intelligence, analyse shifting trafficking patterns, and seamlessly coordinate joint law enforcement operations. The Indian delegation noted that modern narcotics networks operate across borders using sophisticated technologies, including darknet platforms, digital communication tools, maritime routes, and new psychoactive substances (NPS). The proposal emphasizes that such jurisdictionless crimes require seamless international cooperation, real-time intelligence exchange, and coordinated enforcement action. The initiative aims to leverage the collective strength of the expanded BRICS family to address the global nature of drug trafficking, with the proposal calling for greater investment in cross-border capacity building, specialised training programmes, and the exchange of best practices among anti-drug agencies.
The two-day meeting will concentrate on three priority areas -- combating synthetic drugs and precursor diversion, strengthening intelligence sharing and operational coordination, and capacity building and institutional cooperation, with the objective of developing practical and coordinated strategies to address these emerging challenges. These focus areas reflect the comprehensive approach needed to address the complex challenges posed by modern drug trafficking methods and the sophisticated technologies being used by organized crime networks. The meeting will specifically address darknet-enabled drug trafficking, digital technologies, new psychoactive substances, diversion of precursor chemicals, and maritime trafficking, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the evolving nature of transnational drug trafficking operations.
The BRICS grouping has expanded significantly, initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, then adding Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE in 2024, and most recently Indonesia in 2025. The expanded BRICS now represents nearly half of the world's population and possesses significant economic, technological, and law enforcement capabilities, placing it in a unique position to lead global efforts against drug trafficking. The Indian delegation emphasized that together as an expanded BRICS family, they possess the collective strength to truly change the world and turn the vision of a drug-free society into a reality.
The Indian delegation highlighted India's Zero-Tolerance Policy against narcotics under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union Home Minister Amit Shah, which combines aggressive action against drug syndicates—including disruption of trafficking networks, asset forfeiture, and integrated intelligence—with a victim-centric approach focused on harm reduction, rehabilitation, and holistic recovery for those affected by drug addiction. Expressing confidence in the deliberations, India said it looks forward to the adoption of a consensus-based Joint Statement reflecting the shared commitment of BRICS nations to combat transnational organised crime and build a drug-free society. This represents a significant step toward coordinated international action against the global drug trafficking threat, with the expanded BRICS framework providing the necessary platform for sustained cooperation and effective implementation of agreed strategies.
