CDSCO steps up scrutiny of pharma drugs containing narcotic substances

New Delhi: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is reviewing its regulatory framework to identify gaps and stop the illegal diversion of pharmaceutical drugs containing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

The move follows the 10th apex level National Committee for Coordination on Drug Trafficking (NCORD) meeting held in June under the chairmanship of Union home minister Amit Shah, where the CDSCO was tasked with addressing regulatory gaps to control illegal diversion of drugs by March 2027.

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The vision document on drug control (2026-2029) sets out a coordinated framework to address the evolving drug trafficking and drug abuse in the country, with defined responsibilities, timelines, targets and monitoring mechanisms. ET has seen a copy of the document.

Under the document, the CDSCO has been assigned a key role in preventing the diversion of pharmaceutical drugs containing NDPS. One of the specific targets assigned to the drug regulator is to "address regulatory gaps to control illegal pharma diversion" by March next year.

The matter has now been placed before the drugs consultative committee (DCC), which will examine whether gaps in the existing regulatory framework or its implementation could be contributing to the diversion of pharmaceutical preparations containing NDPS. The committee will deliberate and recommend appropriate measures to strengthen the regulatory mechanism in this regard.

The recommendations of DCC are expected to be considered by CDSCO for formulating an appropriate action plan. The move is part of a broader government focus on strengthening country's response to changing patterns of drug trafficking.

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At the NCORD meeting, Shah highlighted the increasing use of encrypted communication, darknet platforms, cryptocurrencies, synthetic drugs and drones by organised criminal networks. He emphasised that the illicit drug ecosystem had evolved into an organised, tech-enabled and transnational criminal enterprise, and that seizure-centric policing alone would not be adequate to counter the emerging threats.

Shah highlighted the incidence of drug abuse among youth and stressed the need for a tech-driven and intelligence-led strategy encompassing supply reduction, demand reduction, treatment, rehabilitation and capacity building.