The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday gave additional charge of Director-General, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to the former CBI director Rakesh Asthana.
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in its order said, “He will take additional charge as DG, NCB for a period of 6 months from assumption of charge till the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders, whichever is earlier.”
The 1984 batch IPS officer who was serving as Director General of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security(CAS) was given the additional charge after the incumbent Abhay, was appointed as Director of National Police Academy, Hyderabad on July 4, 2019.
He was transferred as DG CAS in the aftermath of his feud with then CBI director Alok Verma last year. The centre had sent both the officers on leave after they had levelled serious allegations each other.
Also Read: Quashing Centre’s Order, Supreme Court Reinstates Exiled CBI Chief Alok Verma To The Post
Crackdown On Drug Menace
Asthana’s appointment to NCB has come in the backdrop of the government initiating a countrywide crackdown on the drugs menace, reported The Times of India.
According to the report, the NCB is likely to intensify its operations in Delhi, J&K, and Punjab. The drug menace has increased at an alarming level across several states. Earlier this month, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had seized 532 Kg Heroin from the Wagah-Attari Border in Punjab.
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had informed the Union Home Ministry about the involvement of major international drug racket based in neighbouring countries and said, “Investigations have revealed the involvement of a major international drug racket based in Pakistan as well as Afghanistan. It seems that traders based in Lahore have been conspiring with Indian companies.”
A senior officer who did not want to be named, told The Hindustan Times, “It is a clear indication of the importance being given to tackle the drug problem.”
