BRICS countries on Saturday expressed concern over illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse worldwide and welcomed the Guwahati Declaration issued by the chiefs of anti-narcotics agencies of the grouping countries in July, which had underscored the need for timely intelligence sharing on the operations of narco-gangs.
“We express concern over the situation with illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse worldwide, and recognise that it seriously threatens public security, health, safety and well-being of humankind and undermines the sustainable development of States,” the New Delhi Declaration adopted by the grouping on Saturday said.
During the meeting in July, India had pressed for drug law enforcement agencies of the BRICS countries to build a partnership founded on speed, mutual trust and seamless real-time intelligence sharing that transcends borders and enables decisive action against transnational drug syndicates.
The 45-page New Delhi Declaration welcomed “the Guwahati Declaration issued by the BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies that would facilitate operational and technical cooperation among BRICS Anti-Drug Agencies”.
The Guwahati Declaration adopted in July had underscored the need to enhance the timely exchange of information, intelligence and best practices, consistent with national laws and international obligations. The Declaration had also emphasised the promotion of innovative technologies, digital tools and data-driven approaches to strengthen law enforcement and regulatory efforts against illicit drug trafficking.
The New Delhi declaration was adopted by BRICS leaders on Saturday at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, being held from September 12 to 13 under the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.
-PTI inputs
