The BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting 2026 commenced on Monday in Guwahati, Assam, with participating leaders affirming a common goal to combat drug consumption and trafficking. The two-day event, organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) under India's Ministry of Home Affairs, brings together delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Ethiopia as a guest.
Collaborative Efforts Against International Drug Problem
Nebiyu Tedla, Charge d'Affaires of Ethiopia to New Delhi, emphasized the international scope of the drug issue. "The drug problem is a problem not only at the national level, but also at an international level. So platforms like BRICS will create the opportunity to collaborate, exchange information, and make a better collective effort towards addressing the problem," he told reporters. Tedla added that Ethiopia would showcase its experience in combating drug dissemination and its socio-economic effects, while learning from other members.
Ivan Gorbunov, Russia's Chief of Anti-Drug Enforcement, expressed confidence in the event's utility. "We are sure that the sharing of experience is an important part of our activities. We have the common aim and also we have significant experience in the anti-drugs sphere. So we are sure that this event will be useful for us and our partners," he said.
India's Leadership and Roadmap
Anurag Garg, Director General of NCB, highlighted the international scourge of drugs affecting youth. "Drugs has become an international scourge. Our youth is getting involved in drugs. And it's a problem that we have to fight together," he stated. Garg noted that the meeting would deliberate on the use of dark net markets and cryptocurrencies for drug trafficking, as well as movement through maritime routes. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership for hosting the first such meeting in India.
Garg also referenced Home Minister Amit Shah's recent unveiling of a national roadmap to control drugs by 2029. "This is a useful opportunity for us India to showcase before the world as to how we want to control drugs in India," he added.
Focus on Myanmar as Source and Kingpin Targeting
Regarding drug sources, Garg identified Myanmar as a key origin for both methamphetamine and heroin entering India. He detailed a multifaceted approach: supporting states to establish effective Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTF), expanding NCB's presence with new zonal and regional offices (including one in Guwahati headed by an IG-level officer), and shifting focus from petty couriers to kingpins. "One of them in Myanmar is a national who was recently arrested in Delhi," he said, indicating ongoing efforts to bring transnational traffickers to justice.
Brazil and Russia Emphasize Cooperation
Lucas Barbosa, Focal Point from Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted the long history of cooperation within the BRICS anti-drug working group. "We intend to keep that and to enhance cooperation in law enforcement and also in intelligence because it is a transnational threat that needs to be dealt through cooperation by all members," he said, expressing positive expectations for the meeting.
The BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting is scheduled for July 6-7 in Guwahati, hosted by India under its BRICS chairmanship.
