Question : DRUG SMUGGLING THROUGH PARCELS

(a) whether there is an increasing trend among drug cartels to ship contraband drugs abroad through the Indian Postal service;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of parcels with contraband drugs seized by the Narcotics Control Bureau during the last three years;

(d) whether the Narcotics Control Bureau had a meeting with the Indian Postal Services with particular focus on the lack of proper check on international parcels;

(e) if so, the outcome thereof; and

(f) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government to check shipment of contraband drugs abroad?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HARIBHAI PARATHIBHAI CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (c): The number of international postal outbound parcels with contraband drugs seized by Narcotics Control Bureau/Customs as intimated by the Department of Posts is furnished hereunder:

 
 Year	Parcels 2012	92 2013	134 2014	137 
 
 The above figures are miniscule and do not indicate any increasing trend. 
 
 (d): Yes Madam. A meeting was held between the Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Director General, Postal Services on 19.02.2015 to discuss issue of drug trafficking through posts and parcels. 
 
 (e): Subsequent to the discussion with NCB, the Department of Posts made it mandatory to collect the identity proof of the consignor for booking of any international parcel. 
 
 (f): All the outward international mail is presented by Department of Posts to Custom authorities for checking at the Department of Posts’ offices of Exchange in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai & Kochi before handing over to Airlines for international transportation. 
 In addition, the other measures being taken by the Government to check shipment of contraband drugs abroad include: 
 
 (a) Coordination and sharing of intelligence regarding shipment of contraband with various law enforcement agencies of Union of India and of state agencies like Police and State Excise. 
 
 (b) Training programmes are being regularly conducted for law enforcement officials for upgrading their skills to combat drug menace. 
 
 (c) Sharing of real time information and coordination operation with Nodal agencies of neighboring countries. 
 
 (d) Monetary rewards for information leading to seizures of Narcotic drugs parcels to informers and officers are being provided. 
 
 (e) Training and sensitization of postal and courier agencies for identification of contraband and also about prevailing modus- operandi for concealment of drugs in parcels.