Operation “NARCOS”

In News

• Recently, a month-long pan India drive against smuggling of narcotics through rail, was launched under code name Operation “NARCOS”.

About Operation “NARCOS”

• Aim: It is a month long pan India drive against smuggling of narcotics through rail.  
• Identified black spots: RPF intensified its checks in trains and identified black spots across the country in coordination with NCB and other LEA’s to target drug peddlers involved in this illegal trade.

Issues

• Damage the economy: Narcotics not only destroy the health of youth, they also damage the economy and the well being of the nation.
• Body and mental health: Drug addiction has far reaching implications as it affects both the body and the mental health of the person.
• Smuggling: Indian Railways plays a leading role in transportation of passengers and goods and has the widest network in India that is why long-distance trains are often used by offenders to smuggle the NDPS into different states disguising drug carriers as common passengers.

Significance

• Railway Protection Force as one of the law enforcing agencies has gained prominence in recent times.
• RPF has been empowered to conduct search, seizure and arrest under NDPS Act from 2019 and has been actively participating in the efforts of the Government to restrict this illegal trade.
• Under this operation RPF has performed excellently against the carriers/transporters of Narcotics products through Indian Railways.

Source:PIB