BRICS nations call for stronger ties to curb drug trafficking, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• BRICS nations convened in Guwahati for the Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies’ Meeting in 2026 to discuss combating drug trafficking.
• The meeting underscored the necessity for stronger international cooperation, law enforcement collaboration, and intelligence sharing.
• India, through the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), hosted this significant event for the first time.
• The expanded BRICS group now comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Indonesia.

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Detailed Insights:

• Delegates at the BRICS meeting focused on emerging challenges in narcotics enforcement, including darknet marketplaces and cryptocurrency use for illicit transactions.
• The discussions also covered the increasing use of maritime routes for drug trafficking, highlighting the transnational nature of the threat.
• BRICS member countries collectively account for nearly half of the global population and over 40% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product.
• Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended India's role in strengthening the BRICS anti-drug working group's collaborative efforts.
• The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) emphasized the severe impact of drug abuse on youth as a primary reason for India hosting the meeting.

Key Concepts Involved:

• BRICS: An intergovernmental organization of major emerging markets and developing countries.
• Drug Trafficking: The illegal trade and distribution of controlled substances across national borders.
• Darknet Marketplaces: Hidden online platforms used for illicit transactions, often involving drugs.
• Cryptocurrencies: Digital or virtual currencies secured by cryptography, used for anonymous transactions.