ANI Photo | Centre approves NCB zonal office in Shimla to boost anti-drug efforts in Himachal Pradesh
The Central Government has approved the establishment of a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zonal Office in Shimla to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and enhance enforcement capabilities in Himachal Pradesh, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
In a written reply to a question by BJP MP Dr Rajeev Bharadwaj, Rai stated the decision follows requests from the Himachal Pradesh government for an increased NCB presence in the state. “A Field Office of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has been operational in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, since January 21, 2024. A request from the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh was received for augmenting the presence of the NCB in the state due to the growing menace of drug-related issues,” the Minister said.
Rai added that the Director General of Police (DGP), Himachal Pradesh, had also specifically requested the opening of a Zonal Office in Shimla. “The Government of India approved the setting up of a Zonal Office of the NCB at Shimla on June 17, 2026. The new Zonal Unit is expected to significantly enhance the NCB’s operational capabilities, improve intelligence collection, and facilitate better inter-agency coordination,” he stated.
The Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that expanding the NCB’s presence in the hill state aims to enable faster responses to international drug networks and to strengthen enforcement efforts against drug peddlers across the region.
This information was provided in response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2698 raised by MP Dr Rajeev Bharadwaj. The MP had asked whether the government proposed to set up a special NCB unit in Himachal Pradesh to take prompt action against international drug networks and to check drug peddlers effectively. He also inquired if the State Government had submitted any official request to the Union Government and sought details of the same.
Home » Nation and Beyond » Centre approves NCB zonal office in Shimla to boost anti-drug efforts in Himachal Pradesh