Cabinet approves MoUs with Saudi Arabia to combat smuggling of narcotic drugs

Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval for Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) between Republic of India and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in field of combating illicit trafficking and smuggling of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Chemical Precursors.

Highlights of MoU

It will facilitate as well as enhance cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia in combating smuggling and illicit trafficking of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) and Precursors Chemicals as defined by United Nations (UN) International Drug Control Conventions of 1961, 1971 and 1988. These are Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961; Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971; Convention against the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.

MoU has a provision for exchange of relevant information and methods, identities and suspicious activities of producers, smugglers and traffickers of narcotic drugs, details of trafficking of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) and Precursors Chemicals on requisitions and financial details of traffickers arrested on drug related charges.

Details of arrested citizen of other Party will be notified for committing crime of illicit trafficking or smuggling of NDPS and chemical precursors and consular access to arrested person to be granted.

Chemical reports/analysis of NDPS and Precursors Chemicals seized within territory of either party and data/information about illegal laboratories of NDPS and Precursors Chemicals and their technical specifications to be exchanged btween signatories.

Background

Trafficking or Illegal trade in Drug is a forbidden globally but, massive production and circulation of drugs through many convenient routes especially via Afghanistan is paving ways for high consumption of drugs amongst youth. This is thus creating a negative impact on public health and adding to criminalization of society across the world.  Drug trafficking has also provided funding for insurgency and terrorism in various regions globally.  Moreover, Narco-terrorists and international criminal organizations thriving on illegal drug trade now threaten security of many nations.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2019