Agartala, April 17, 2026: Anurag Garg, Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), convened a high-level meeting with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in Tripura to bolster efforts against drug trafficking and substance abuse in the state.

According to the NCB, the meeting centered on strengthening narcotics intelligence and enforcement mechanisms to effectively curb the growing drug menace. A network-centric enforcement approach was deliberated, focusing on dismantling organized drug syndicates and targeting supply chains.

Key discussions also emphasized measures to eliminate illegal cannabis cultivation across vulnerable areas and to ensure stringent prosecution of drug kingpins. Officials highlighted the importance of invoking the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PITNDPS) against habitual offenders to deter repeat crimes.

The meeting further stressed leveraging the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) for comprehensive, 360-degree investigations, including financial tracking of drug networks. This integrated approach is expected to enhance the effectiveness of enforcement agencies in identifying and dismantling complex trafficking operations.

In addition, the NCB highlighted the need for capacity building within the ANTF to empower it to take a leading role in anti-drug operations in the state. The importance of outcome-oriented Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meetings and the effective use of state-level Joint Coordination Committee platforms was also highlighted to ensure stronger inter-agency collaboration.