CDSCO Seeks to Strengthen Oversight of Medicines Containing Narcotic, Psychotropic Substances
New Delhi: Seeking to curb the illegal diversion of controlled medicines, the CDSCO is reviewing the rules governing pharmaceutical products containing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
According to a recent media report by the ET, the review follows the 10th apex-level meeting of the National Committee for Coordination on Drug Trafficking (NCORD), chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in June.
CDSCO was tasked with addressing gaps that enable illegal pharmaceutical diversion by March 2027.
A drug-control vision document for 2026–2029 sets out responsibilities, targets, timelines and monitoring arrangements to tackle changing patterns of trafficking and drug abuse. It assigns CDSCO a role in preventing the diversion of pharmaceutical preparations containing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The issue has been placed before the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC). The committee will assess whether weaknesses in existing rules or their implementation contribute to such diversion and recommend measures to strengthen oversight. CDSCO is expected to consider those recommendations while preparing an action plan.
At the NCORD meeting, Shah drew attention to criminal networks’ use of encrypted communications, darknet platforms, cryptocurrencies, synthetic drugs and drones. He called for an intelligence-led approach covering supply and demand reduction, treatment, rehabilitation and capacity building.
ET reports that the review forms part of the government’s broader response to an increasingly organised and technology-enabled illicit drug trade.
