U.S. to continue cooperation on drug trafficking
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The State Department says that the United States will continue to explore opportunities to work with the Government of India in addressing issues of drug trafficking, including production and transnational crimes of common concern. “The GOI [Government of India] says it is increasingly concerned over the nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism. The GOI has recognised the need for stronger drug control efforts nationally, particularly in the North-East,” the State Department’s International Narcotics Control Strategy Report notes. In a generally positive assessment, including on the efforts to tighten measures around licit production of opium and in coming to grips with the growing problem of trafficking from across the borders, the State Department stressed that the decision to move the Narcotics Control Board from under the control of the Finance Ministry to that of the Home Ministry “will enhance the U.S. relationship with the Ministry’s training division… in particular, by streamlining law enforcement training to India’s police and the NCB.” According to the report, NCB’s shift to the Home Ministry will only enhance the agency’s law enforcement capabilities, besides bolstering its professionalism. The International Narcotics Control Strategy Report is prepared by the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the State Department and highlights the global problems and challenges, including a country-to-country assessment. The report also takes on the issue of narcotics-related money laundering and its implications. More : hindu.com |