BRICS anti-drug agencies meet opens in Guwahati, focuses on global narcotics threat

Representatives from BRICS nations have underscored the need for stronger international cooperation to combat drug trafficking as the BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting 2026 got underway in Guwahati.

Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, Lucas Barbosa, Focal Point at Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed appreciation to India for hosting the event and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among BRICS nations.

"We are very pleased to be here in Guwahati, Assam, and are thankful to the Indian Chair for the hospitality. The BRICS anti-drug working group has a long history of cooperation, and we intend to further strengthen collaboration in law enforcement and intelligence sharing. Drug trafficking is a transnational threat that requires coordinated action by all member countries," Barbosa said.

Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Anurag Garg, said the meeting marks the first time India is hosting the heads of anti-drug agencies from BRICS nations.

Addressing reporters, Garg said drug abuse has emerged as a global challenge requiring a collective international response.

"Drugs have become an international scourge. Our youth is getting involved in drugs, and it is a problem that different nations have to fight together," he said.

He added that over the two-day meeting, delegates would deliberate on emerging challenges in narcotics enforcement, including the use of darknet marketplaces, cryptocurrencies for illicit transactions, and maritime routes for drug trafficking.

Garg said the discussions are aimed at enhancing cooperation among BRICS countries to counter evolving drug trafficking networks and strengthen global efforts against narcotics.