Narco Coordination Centre Signals Unified Effort Against Drug Menace in India
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
Delhi 23, July 2025- To enhance coordination between Central and State agencies involved in drug law enforcement, the Government of India initially established the Narco-Coordination (NCORD) mechanism on 22 November 2016. Recognizing the need for a more structured approach, the mechanism was revamped on 29 July 2019 into a four-tier Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) framework, aimed at bolstering collaboration among enforcement agencies and key stakeholders in curbing drug trafficking and abuse.
On 25 March 2022, the Government of India undertook further restructuring of the NCORD mechanism to tackle policy-level gaps and bolster on-the-ground enforcement efforts. This refinement aimed to foster a more cohesive and impactful strategy against drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country. To enhance inter-agency synergy, new stakeholders were gradually incorporated into the framework as needed.
Today, the NCORD operates through a robust four-tier structure, facilitating seamless coordination across national, state, district, and local levels.
The drive against the menace posed by drugs to societal wellbeing and national security has gathered traction with the advent of NCORD mechanism. NCORD portal by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has become a gateway for all drug and NCB related information and also act as a total Knowledge Management System (KMS). It has also helped in enhanced inter-agency coordination, real time intelligence sharing, focused action against drug networks, review and monitoring of strategies, enhancing capacity building in handling drug related cases, adoption of advanced technologies, targeting financial investigation and property confiscation
of drug traffickers, improving de-addiction & rehabilitation programs and promoting anti-drug abuse awareness, etc. In addition, new initiatives like Madak-Padarth Nished Asoochna Kendra (MANAS) – 24×7 toll-free helpline (1933), National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco-Offenders (NIDAAN) portal, Mission SPANDAN – Partnership with spiritual institutions for awareness have emerged out of NCORD mechanism.
1. Apex Committee (Central Level)
| Role | Designation |
| Chairperson | Union Home Secretary |
| Members | Secretaries of: Revenue, Health, Social Justice, Ports, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals |
| Other Members | Chairman CBIC, Chief Secretaries & DGPs of all States, Intelligence Heads (IB, NIA, NCRB), Navy, Coast Guard, Drug Controller General, NTRO, ED, DRI, NSCS, NCB Convener |
2. Executive Committee (Central Level)
| Role | Designation |
| Chairperson | Special Secretary (IS), MHA |
| Members | DG-NCB, Joint Secretaries of relevant Ministries, Intelligence Bureau, Navy, Coast Guard, Anti-Smuggling, DRI, NTRO, ED, CEIB, Drug Controller, NCB Convener |
3. State-Level NCORD Committee
| Role | Designation |
| Chairperson | Chief Secretary of State |
| Members | Secretaries of Home, Health, Social Welfare, Forests, Agriculture, Excise, Education |
| Additional Members | State DGP, Coastal Police, Port Trust, Navy & Coast Guard (coastal states), RPF, Post Master General, State FDA, Border Agencies, Maritime Board, SFSL, ED, IB, DRI, NCB Convener District-Level NCORD Committee Role Designation Chairperson District Magistrate Member Convener Superintendent of Police Members Representatives from State Departments: Education, Health, Social Justice, Forest, Agriculture Additional Members Customs/Central GST (AC/DC), Border Guarding Agencies (in border districts), Coast Guard (in coastal districts), Port Authorities (coastal), SDM of affected areas, Drugs Inspector, NCB, Intelligence Bureau (MHA) |
