NCB sensitises 900 IIT Jodhpur students on drug abuse dangers
Synopsis
The NCB held a drug awareness drive for 900 students at IIT Jodhpur while simultaneously securing a 10-year conviction against two traffickers in a Canada-linked international narcotics syndicate case dating back to 2019 — underscoring the bureau's simultaneous push on prevention and enforcement.
Key Takeaways
The NCB sensitised approximately 900 students at IIT Jodhpur on 6 August about the dangers of drug abuse.
Officials shared guidance on managing depression and stress , key triggers for substance abuse among youth.
Students were directed to the NCB MANAS Helpline (Toll-Free: 1933 ) for support and assistance.
The NCB Chandigarh Zonal Unit secured convictions of Akshinder Singh Sodhi and Amandeep Kumar — each sentenced to 10 years' Rigorous Imprisonment and fined ₹1,00,000 .
The trafficking case involved seizure of 115 gm cocaine , 13 gm ephedrine , and 80 gm hashish oil in September 2019 , linked to a Canada -based kingpin.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) conducted a large-scale drug awareness campaign at IIT Jodhpur on 6 August, reaching approximately 900 students in a session led by the bureau's Assistant Director. Officials shared practical guidance on avoiding substance abuse and outlined steps for managing depression and stress — factors widely identified as triggers for drug use among young adults.
What the Campaign Covered
The programme focused on educating students and teachers about the dos and don'ts around substance use, promoting informed decision-making, and motivating participants to adopt a drug-free lifestyle. Officials also highlighted the role of peer influence and academic pressure in driving substance abuse among college students — a concern that has grown sharper as campus drug cases have risen nationally.
Participants were encouraged to reach out to the NCB MANAS Helpline (Toll-Free: 1933) for information, counselling, and assistance. The NCB confirmed the session details through an official post on X.
Conviction in International Drug Trafficking Case
In a separate development, the NCB Chandigarh Zonal Unit (CZU) secured the conviction of two drug traffickers in an international narcotics case. The Special Court, Jalandhar, Punjab, sentenced Akshinder Singh Sodhi and Amandeep Kumar to 10 years' Rigorous Imprisonment each, along with a fine of ₹1,00,000 each, under the NDPS Act.
The case originated from the seizure of 115 gm of cocaine, 13 gm of ephedrine, 80 gm of hashish oil, and intoxicant capsules by the NCB CZU in September 2019. The investigation dismantled an international drug trafficking syndicate operated by an absconding kingpin based in Canada, working in conspiracy with local operatives across India.
Investigation Continues Against Absconding Accused
According to the NCB, the probe against the absconding Canada-based accused remains active, with the bureau working to neutralise all modules of the syndicate, including links to operatives in Canada and other countries. Officials described the conviction as the result of meticulous investigation and effective prosecution over nearly six years.
Broader Context
The dual developments — a campus sensitisation drive and a trafficking conviction — reflect the NCB's twin-track approach of prevention and enforcement. This comes amid heightened concern over drug penetration in educational institutions, particularly in Rajasthan and Punjab, two states that have featured prominently in recent narcotics enforcement actions. The IIT Jodhpur session is part of a wider NCB outreach initiative targeting premier academic campuses across India.
Point of View
Nearly six years in the making, exposes how deeply international narcotics networks have embedded local operatives in India. What remains unresolved is the absconding Canada-based kingpin, whose continued freedom raises questions about the limits of cross-border enforcement cooperation. Prevention drives and domestic convictions matter, but they address symptoms; the supply chain remains active as long as its architect operates freely abroad.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the NCB do at IIT Jodhpur?
The NCB conducted a drug awareness session at IIT Jodhpur on 6 August, with around 900 students participating. The session, led by the NCB's Assistant Director, covered the dangers of drug abuse, stress management, and how to access the NCB MANAS Helpline (1933).
What is the NCB MANAS Helpline?
The NCB MANAS Helpline is a toll-free number — 1933 — that provides information, counselling, and assistance related to drug abuse. Students and the public can call it for support or to report drug-related concerns.
Who were convicted in the NCB Chandigarh drug trafficking case?
Akshinder Singh Sodhi and Amandeep Kumar were convicted by the Special Court in Jalandhar, Punjab. Both were sentenced to 10 years' Rigorous Imprisonment and fined ₹1,00,000 each under the NDPS Act.
What drugs were seized in the Chandigarh NCB case?
The NCB CZU seized 115 gm of cocaine, 13 gm of ephedrine, 80 gm of hashish oil, and intoxicant capsules in September 2019. The seizure led to the dismantling of an international trafficking syndicate.
Is the drug trafficking investigation still ongoing?
Yes. The NCB has confirmed that the investigation against the absconding Canada-based kingpin continues. The bureau is working to neutralise all modules of the syndicate, including operatives linked to Canada and other countries.
