The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in research, training, technology development, and capacity building related to narcotics control and cyber-enabled drug crimes.
The MoU was signed by Anurag Garg, Director General of NCB, and Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice Chancellor of RRU, at an event held in New Delhi on Wednesday.
According to the press release, under this MoU, NCB and RRU will collaborate to conduct joint research and innovation in emerging areas such as darknet narcotics markets, cryptocurrency tracing, and cyber-threat intelligence. The two institutions will also work together to develop and deliver specialized training programmes for NCB officers on topics including cyber forensics, blockchain forensics, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), and behavioural profiling.
Furthermore, NCB and RRU will strive to establish a Centre of Excellence in Cybercrime Investigation and Drug Intelligence (CoE-CIDI), which will serve as a hub for research and innovation in these fields.
Speaking on the occasion, Anurag Garg highlighted that this collaboration aims to create a knowledge-driven enforcement ecosystem by leveraging RRU’s academic expertise alongside NCB’s operational experience. He also pointed out emerging challenges such as the illicit cultivation of opium and cannabis in remote areas, urging RRU to develop eco-friendly methods and technologies for their destruction.
The NCB Director General further emphasized the growing threat posed by synthetic drugs and stressed the importance of institutions like RRU innovating to develop advanced detection technologies.
Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel underscored the university’s commitment to contributing to national security through advanced research, innovation, and training in the fields of narcotics and cybercrime investigation.
This partnership marks a significant step toward integrating academic expertise with field enforcement experience, thereby strengthening India’s institutional capacity to combat the evolving challenges of drug trafficking—particularly those involving digital platforms and cryptocurrencies.
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