BRICS Declaration Flags Narcotics Menace as Serious Threat to Humanity
Delhi Declaration backs stronger cooperation among member nations to combat illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse.
NEW DELHI, Sep 12: The BRICS countries have expressed serious concern over the growing problem of illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse worldwide, warning that the menace poses a major threat to public security, health and human well-being.
The concern was highlighted in the Delhi Declaration adopted on Saturday at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Member countries recognised that the global drug problem not only affects public health and safety but also poses challenges to sustainable development.
The declaration also welcomed the Guwahati Declaration adopted in July by the BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies. The initiative is aimed at strengthening operational and technical cooperation between anti-narcotics agencies of member countries.
BRICS nations stressed the importance of closer coordination in tackling cross border drug networks. The Guwahati Declaration called for the timely sharing of information, intelligence and best practices, while ensuring that such cooperation remains consistent with national laws and international obligations.
India has been pursuing a mission mode strategy to tackle drug related crimes, with a national objective of dismantling narcotics cartels by 2029. The approach involves coordinated action across government agencies to strengthen enforcement and disrupt organised drug networks.
The BRICS declaration underlined the need for continued international cooperation to address the production, movement and misuse of illegal substances and to protect communities from their wider social, economic and health consequences.
