Guwahati: The BRICS countries adopted the Guwahati Declaration, solidifying their shared commitment to fighting illegal drug trafficking and related transnational organised crime. At the close of their two-day meeting here on Tuesday, the heads of anti-drug agencies of the BRICS nations signed this joint declaration to boost the exchange of real-time intelligence, information and successful enforcement strategies while respecting national and international laws.India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026, guided by the overarching theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” brought together the heads of anti-drug agencies from Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia and the United Arab Emirates for the BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies meeting in Guwahati.“Concluding the two-day BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting in Guwahati, Assam today, the grouping nations adopted the Joint Declaration, underscoring the need to enhance the timely exchange of information, intelligence and best practices, consistent with national laws and international obligations. The Declaration also emphasised the promotion of innovative technologies, digital tools and data-driven approaches to strengthen law enforcement and regulatory efforts against illicit drug trafficking,” stated a govt release.India urged BRICS drug enforcement agencies to forge a fast, trusted and collaborative framework for real-time intelligence sharing across borders, enabling coordinated and effective action against transnational narcotics syndicates.The BRICS member nations voiced concern over the changing dynamics of global drug trafficking, highlighting the growing spread of synthetic drugs and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), the diversion of precursor chemicals, the misuse of emerging technologies and virtual assets, and the increasing use of maritime routes and digital platforms by transnational criminal organisations.Leading the Indian delegation, Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau, Anurag Garg highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and minister Amit Shah, India adopted a Zero-Tolerance Policy against Drugs and a Three-Year Roadmap (2026–2029) based on a Network-Centric approach. “The strategy focuses on dismantling entire criminal networks, preventing drug abuse through mass awareness campaigns and strengthening treatment, de-addiction and rehabilitation measures,” he said.Emphasising that modern drug trafficking operates through hyper-connected networks that transcend national jurisdictions, Garg said anti-drug agencies must strengthen their own cooperation to effectively dismantle transnational narcotics syndicates. He urged BRICS countries to uphold the spirit of the Guwahati Declaration and collaborate towards the common goal of a drug-free world and a safer, healthier global community for coming generations. He also underscored India’s proposal to establish a BRICS Virtual Working Group and enhanced cross-border training programmes.The member countries stressed the importance of strengthening targeted and specialised initiatives to reduce drug demand, encourage healthy lifestyles, and protect vulnerable groups, especially children and young people, through evidence-based, comprehensive and people-centric strategies.“During the two-day meeting, the member nations deliberated on the prevailing drug situation in their respective countries and participated in thematic sessions focusing on pressing and emerging global challenges. The discussions covered key issues, including leveraging digital technology for real-time drug interdiction, countering drug trafficking through the darknet, tackling the growing threat of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), and reinforcing global supply chains against precursor diversion and chemical leakage,” stated the release.
