Who is IPS Anurag Garg? Meet the New Head of the Narcotics Control Bureau

New Delhi, September 19, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)

Anurag Garg, a 1993 batch officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS), has been appointed as the new Director General (DG) of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

His appointment, which came into effect on Tuesday, marks a significant leadership shift in one of India’s most crucial agencies tasked with combating drug trafficking and illicit substance abuse. With extensive experience, including his role as Additional Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) in New Delhi, Garg brings a wealth of expertise to the role.

The NCB, which falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs, plays a crucial role in enforcing the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS). It is a key player in India’s fight against illegal drugs, and with Garg at the helm, the agency will continue its mission of dismantling drug networks across the country and beyond.

Who is Anurag Garg?

Anurag Garg is a seasoned officer of the Indian Police Service, belonging to the 1993 batch of Himachal Pradesh cadre. His distinguished career spans over three decades of service in various capacities in the law enforcement sector.

Known for his dedication and meticulous approach, Garg has risen to the highest levels of government, demonstrating a keen understanding of both national and international security issues, making him a suitable candidate to lead the NCB.

Anurag Garg’s Career Highlights

Before assuming his role as NCB DG, Anurag Garg was the Additional Director General (ADG) at the BSF Headquarters in New Delhi. His role in the BSF, one of India’s premier paramilitary forces, included significant responsibilities related to border security.

Garg’s experience with the BSF is particularly relevant as India’s borders are often vulnerable to drug trafficking. His insights into the cross-border drug trade are therefore of great importance to his new role at the NCB.

Appointment as Director General of the NCB

The Ministry of Home Affairs has officially announced the appointment of Anurag Garg through an order of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

According to the order, Garg’s term as NCB DG will be till May 23, 2026, or until further instructions are issued. He takes over from CRPF DG Anish Dayal Singh, who held the post in an additional capacity after the retirement of SN Pradhan in August. Garg’s appointment is a significant step, positioning him to lead India’s fight against the rising menace of narcotics.

The role of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

The NCB, established in 1986, is under the Ministry of Home Affairs with a clear mandate to enforce India’s narcotics laws. It plays a pivotal role in checking the production, trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The agency is tasked with conducting investigations, arresting offenders and cooperating with other international drug enforcement agencies.

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, is the primary legislation that the NCB enforces. This Act empowers the agency to tackle both domestic and international drug trafficking and promotes rehabilitation of those affected by substance abuse.

Challenges for NCB

India is geographically positioned in a region that poses significant challenges with respect to drug trafficking. Sharing borders with countries such as Afghanistan (a major opium producer) and Myanmar (a major player in the global drug trade), India faces an ongoing battle against cross-border drug trafficking. Internally, the rise in synthetic drug production and the diversion of prescription drugs add to the complexity of the NCB’s work.

Anurag Garg’s Strategic Importance at NCB

Given his vast experience in BSF, particularly in dealing with border security, Anurag Garg brings strategic insight to tackle cross-border drug trafficking. The porous borders that India shares with various countries are major entry points for narcotics. Garg’s familiarity with these dynamics is expected to strengthen the NCB’s efforts to tackle drug trafficking.

NCB and its recent leadership

Anurag Garg takes over from leaders such as SN Pradhan, who served as NCB DG till August, and CRPF DG Anish Dayal Singh, who held the post in an additional capacity. Each of these leaders contributed to the evolving strategy of NCB, with a focus on intelligence operations and extensive collaborations with state police forces. Garg is expected to build on this foundation and possibly introduce new policies aimed at more proactive measures against drug cartels.

India’s fight against drug trafficking

India’s drug problem is not limited to its borders but extends to international networks. The NCB works with various international agencies such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to tackle these global drug networks. Domestically, the agency works closely with state law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug networks and prosecute offenders.

NCB’s performance to date

In recent years, the NCB has achieved significant milestones including the dismantling of major drug cartels and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics. Its activities have led to the arrest of numerous high-profile drug traffickers and its efforts have had a substantial impact in reducing the flow of drugs into India.

What is the future of NCB under Garg’s leadership?

With Anurag Garg taking over as NCB DG, he is likely to focus on sharpening cross-border cooperation with neighbouring countries and improving intelligence sharing networks. With his BSF experience, he could bring a more militarised approach to drug enforcement, with emphasis on surveillance and strict border controls. Garg’s leadership could also see a stronger emphasis on rehabilitation measures for drug addicts, in line with broader public health strategies.

The impact of NCB’s work on Indian society

The work of NCB has a profound impact on the social fabric of India. The agency’s success in curbing drug trafficking directly contributes to reducing crime rates, improving public health and protecting vulnerable populations, especially the youth, from falling into the trap of drug addiction.

Public perception and media attention for NCB

The NCB has often found itself in the media spotlight, especially during high-profile drug busts and celebrity investigations. While the agency’s work has been praised, it has also come in for criticism, especially regarding its handling of high-profile cases. Under Anurag Garg’s leadership, the agency may look to rethink its public relations strategy to improve transparency and public trust.

Cooperation with international agencies
International cooperation is crucial for the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), as drug trafficking is a global problem that transcends borders. The NCB actively cooperates with international organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

These partnerships help share intelligence, conduct joint operations, and monitor drug trafficking routes that originate in or pass through countries such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, and other neighboring regions.

In addition, the NCB works closely with law enforcement agencies from countries like the United States (DEA), the United Kingdom and several European countries to dismantle international drug cartels. This international cooperation has been essential in curbing the illicit trade in narcotics and psychotropic drugs in India.

Anurag Garg’s leadership is expected to further strengthen these global ties given his background in border security, which is critical to combating cross-border drug trafficking.

Critical times, growing challenges
The appointment of Anurag Garg as the new Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) comes at a critical time as India faces growing challenges in the area of ​​drug trafficking, both domestically and internationally. With his vast experience in law enforcement, particularly his role in the Border Security Force (BSF), Garg brings a wealth of knowledge to the NCB that is likely to strengthen the agency’s efforts in the fight against drug trafficking.

As the NCB continues its mission to tackle drug trafficking, Garg’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping future strategies, strengthening international cooperation and increasing the effectiveness of India’s fight against illicit drugs.

His tenure is expected to not only lead to stricter enforcement but also to new approaches to tackling India’s drug problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the role of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)?
The NCB is a central law enforcement and intelligence agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs, tasked with combating drug trafficking and the use of illegal narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. It enforces the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and works to dismantle drug cartels operating in India and internationally.

2. How long will Anurag Garg remain as Director General of the NCB?
The tenure of Anurag Garg as Director General of the NCB will be up to May 23, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, the appointment order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

3. What positions did Anurag Garg hold before this appointment?
Before becoming Director General of NCB, Anurag Garg was the Additional Director General (ADG) of the Border Security Force (BSF) at the Headquarters in New Delhi. He had a distinguished career in the Indian Police Service (IPS), where he was from the 1993 batch of Himachal Pradesh cadre.

4. What challenges does the NCB face in India?
The NCB faces several challenges, including controlling cross-border drug trafficking, dismantling domestic drug networks, tackling the rise of synthetic drugs and addressing the abuse of prescription drugs. The agency also faces the challenge of tackling international drug cartels with far-reaching networks.

5. How does the NCB cooperate with international organisations?
The NCB works with international organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), and foreign law enforcement agencies such as the United States DEA to share intelligence, conduct joint operations, and combat global drug trafficking networks.