(a) whether a number of foreign nationals including Nigerians are reported to have been involved in smuggling of drugs in the country;
(b) if so, the details of such cases reported along with the number of foreigners
arrested and quantum of drugs seized during each of the last three years and the current year, nationality-wise; and
(c) the measures taken by the Government to check such instances?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) & (b): As per the report of Narcotics Control Bureau, the details of the foreigners
including Nigerians who have been arrested on narcotic drugs related charges and
quantum of various drugs seized during the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 (till October)
are enclosed at Annexure-I & Annexure-II respectively.
(c) Various steps have been taken to check, detect and prevent illicit trafficking
in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic substances (NDPS), which among other things include
the following:
(i) Improved coordination among the various Drug Law Enforcement Agencies including border guarding forces.
(ii) Strengthening of the intelligence apparatus to improve the collection, analysis and dissemination of operational intelligence.
(iii) Implementing a scheme of monetary rewards to informers and officers for information leading to seizures of Narcotic drugs.
(iv) Strict surveillance and enforcement at import and export points.
(v) The Border Guarding Forces such as Border Security Force and Sashastra Seema Bal have been empowered under the NDPS Act for interdiction of narcotic drugs.
(vi) Increased international co-operation, for exchange of information and investigative assistance in administering control over the movement of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and Precursor Chemicals.
(vii) Financial assistance has been provided to eligible States for strengthening their narcotic units.