In a decisive move against drug trafficking, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Director General Anurag Garg visited border villages in Amritsar district, Punjab. He held detailed discussions with local sarpanchs, urging them to actively support the campaign against narcotics smuggling and substance abuse.
Garg emphasized that combating the drug menace requires a united effort from the entire society. He highlighted the crucial role local communities can play in preventing smuggling and protecting youth from addiction. ‘Villagers are the first line of defense,’ he stated, appealing to elders and community leaders to steer young people towards sports and positive activities.
The NCB chief assured full agency support for community-driven initiatives in awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation. He specifically asked sarpanchs to promote the ‘Mannas’ helpline (1933) for reporting trafficking and seeking rehab assistance.
This outreach forms part of NCB’s broader strategy to bolster grassroots cooperation in sensitive border areas prone to cross-border drug inflows. Recently, Garg reviewed AI-based technologies at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, focusing on tools for tracking smuggling networks.
Under his leadership, NCB has intensified intelligence gathering, enforcement actions, rehabilitation efforts, and public awareness campaigns. The agency is enhancing coordination with state police, central forces, and international partners to secure India’s borders.
Garg noted significant progress in curbing drug crimes through stringent measures, better collaboration, and cutting-edge tech. He stressed that ultimate success hinges on collective responsibility from law enforcement, communities, and citizens alike.