BRICS countries adopt 'Guwahati Declaration' to combat drug trafficking

Guwahati, Jul 7 (PTI) Heads of anti-drug agencies from BRICS countries on Tuesday adopted the 'Guwahati Declaration' at the end of a two-day meeting here, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen cooperation to combat narcotics trafficking and related transnational organised crimes. The declaration underscored the need for timely exchange of information, intelligence and best practices among member countries, in accordance with national laws and international obligations, an official release said. The declaration also emphasised the promotion of innovative technologies, digital tools and data-driven approaches to strengthen law enforcement and regulatory efforts against drug trafficking, it added. The BRICS countries expressed concern over the evolving nature of drug trafficking, proliferation of synthetic drugs and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), the diversion of precursor chemicals, misuse of emerging technologies and virtual assets and exploitation of maritime routes and digital platforms by transnational criminal networks. "The member countries underlined the need to strengthen specialised initiatives for drug demand reduction, promote healthy lifestyles and safeguard those in vulnerable situation, particularly children and youth, through evidence-based, comprehensive and people-centred approaches," the statement said. BRICS, initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with Indonesia joining in 2025. The grouping has emerged as an influential bloc, bringing together 11 major emerging economies that account for around 49.5 per cent of the world's population, about 40 per cent of global GDP and nearly 26 per cent of global trade. PTI TR TR MNB