Washington, Jan 22 (NationPress) The first-ever Drug Policy Executive Working Group meeting between India and the United States took place in Washington DC, emphasizing their dedication to combating synthentic opioids, emerging precursors, and the misuse of digital platforms, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released on Thursday.

"The inaugural meeting of the Drug Policy Executive Working Group was held in Washington DC from January 20 to January 22, 2026. Both nations reiterated their joint commitment to addressing the challenges posed by synthetic opioids, novel precursors, and digital platform misuse, while also ensuring effective enforcement alongside the facilitation of legitimate trade," the MEA disclosed on X.

During this meeting, India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, delivered the opening remarks, during which both sides evaluated the progress made in collaboration to tackle the threats associated with illicit drug trafficking and the diversion of precursor chemicals.

"Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra provided opening comments at the India-US Drug Policy Framework Executive Group meeting on Counter-narcotics Cooperation, alongside Ms. Sara Carter, Director of the Office of President Trump's Drug Czar. The discussions highlighted the progress made in joint efforts and ongoing cooperation to confront the dangers of illicit drug trafficking and precursor chemical diversion. There was a strong focus on effective enforcement through proactive bilateral coordination to curb these illicit activities," the Indian Embassy in the US stated on X.

In July of the previous year, the US Embassy in India expressed appreciation to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Indian authorities for their efforts to protect Americans from illegal drugs.

In a post on X, the US Embassy in India said, "We thank the NCB and Indian authorities for their assistance in safeguarding Americans from illegal drugs and saving American lives!"

This statement followed a post by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on X, where he congratulated the NCB and other agencies for dismantling a global drug cartel. He mentioned that Indian agencies are actively monitoring sophisticated methods such as crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers employed by these gangs.

"Kudos to the NCB and all involved agencies for dismantling a global drug cartel. This investigation exemplifies exceptional multi-agency coordination, resulting in eight arrests and the seizure of five consignments while prompting actions in the US and Australia against the network operating across four continents and over ten countries," Home Minister Shah remarked on X.

"Our agencies are consistently tracking advanced methods such as crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers utilized by these gangs. The government led by PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji is resolutely committed to dismantling every drug cartel to safeguard our youth, regardless of their operational base," he added.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the NCB and the HQ Operations Unit successfully dismantled a transnational drug trafficking organization that leveraged encrypted digital platforms, drop shipping models, and cryptocurrency to smuggle controlled substances across four continents.

A routine vehicle inspection near Bengali Market in New Delhi unveiled a criminal network that spanned India, the US, Australia, and Europe. This operation revealed a global network operating across four continents and more than ten countries.