India Strengthens Control over Chemicals Used in Illicit Drug Production
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
By Mahima Katal
Ahmedabad, June 16, 2026: India has stepped up efforts to curb the illicit manufacture of synthetic drugs by launching a voluntary code of conduct for the chemical industry and urging closer cooperation between businesses and law-enforcement agencies. The initiative, unveiled by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), aims to prevent the diversion of precursor and essential chemicals that can be misused in the production of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and emerging synthetic substances.
The Voluntary Code of Conduct (VCC) for the Chemical Industry was released by NCB Director General Anurag Garg at a conference in Ahmedabad attended by more than 250 representatives from the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, industry associations, and government agencies.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the rapid expansion of synthetic drug markets worldwide and the increasing use of legally traded chemicals in clandestine drug manufacturing operations.
During the conference, officials from the NCB and the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) highlighted evolving trends in synthetic drug production and warned that criminal networks are increasingly turning to alternative chemicals and substitute precursor substances to evade regulatory controls.
Addressing industry leaders, Garg stressed that law-enforcement action alone would not be sufficient to tackle the threat posed by synthetic drugs. He said manufacturers, importers, exporters, distributors, transporters, and traders are often best placed to identify suspicious transactions, unusual purchasing patterns, attempts to conceal end-use information, and other indicators of possible diversion.
The voluntary code encourages companies to strengthen customer verification procedures, maintain detailed transaction records, monitor supply chains, and report suspicious enquiries or orders to authorities. Officials said the framework is intended to foster greater vigilance across the industry while protecting legitimate trade and commerce.
Unlike existing controls that focus primarily on chemicals formally regulated under India's narcotics laws, the VCC also addresses substances that may not currently be controlled but have the potential to be misused in the manufacture of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances.
Industry representatives welcomed the initiative and shared best practices related to supply-chain security, customer due diligence, and responsible chemical management. Participants also discussed regulatory challenges and measures to improve information sharing between businesses and enforcement agencies.
Several attendees described the conference as an important opportunity to better understand the risks associated with chemical diversion and its role in fueling illegal drug production.
The launch of the voluntary code marks a significant step in strengthening India's precursor-control framework through public-private cooperation. Authorities hope the initiative will help detect diversion attempts earlier, safeguard legitimate supply chains, and support the country's broader objective of reducing drug abuse and trafficking.
Officials indicated that similar outreach programmes may be conducted in other parts of the country as part of ongoing efforts to build stronger partnerships between industry and enforcement agencies in the fight against synthetic drugs.
