BRICS Countries Unite in Guwahati Declaration to Fight Drug Trafficking

GUWAHATI, India — The BRICS group of nations on Tuesday (July 7, 2026) adopted the Guwahati Declaration, a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to cooperate against illicit drug trafficking and related transnational organised crime.

BRICS, an intergovernmental organisation originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. The declaration was issued at the conclusion of a two-day meeting of heads of anti-drug agencies from member countries held at a resort on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam.

In the declaration, the nations underscored the need to improve the timely exchange of information, intelligence, and best practices in line with national laws and international obligations. They emphasised promoting innovative technologies, digital tools, and data-driven approaches to strengthen law enforcement and regulatory efforts against drug trafficking.

The BRICS countries expressed concern over the evolving nature of drug trafficking, the proliferation of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances, the diversion of precursor chemicals, the misuse of emerging technologies and virtual assets, and the exploitation of maritime routes and digital platforms by transnational criminal networks.

The member countries also highlighted the importance of strengthening specialised initiatives for drug demand reduction, promoting healthy lifestyles, and safeguarding vulnerable groups, particularly children and youth, through evidence-based, comprehensive, and people-centred approaches.

During the high-level meeting, India called upon BRICS drug law enforcement agencies to build a partnership founded on speed, mutual trust, and seamless real-time intelligence sharing that transcends borders, enabling decisive action against transnational drug syndicates.

Anurag Garg, Director General of India's Narcotics Control Bureau, said India has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and a three-year roadmap (2026-29) based on a network-centric approach. “The strategy focuses on dismantling entire criminal networks, preventing drug abuse through mass awareness campaigns, and strengthening treatment, de-addiction, and rehabilitation measures,” Mr. Garg said.

Highlighting the hyper-connected and jurisdiction-less nature of 21st-century drug trafficking, Mr. Garg said national anti-drug agencies must create a network to break transnational drug trafficking networks. He called upon BRICS nations to carry forward the spirit of the Guwahati Declaration and work collectively towards a drug-free world and a safer, healthier global community. He also proposed a BRICS Virtual Workshop Group and enhanced cross-border training initiatives.