New Delhi: To further strengthen the investigation and effective crackdown on the growing narcotics network, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and West Bengal Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) conducted a five-day training program in Kolkata. This Training of Trainers (ToT) program ran from 28 September to 2 October 2026, in which investigating officers of West Bengal ANTF, West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police were trained on professional investigation and effective enforcement of NDPS cases. 54 Inspector level investigating officers participated in this special training program. The objective of the training was not only to enhance the investigative capability of the officers but also to prepare them as trainers so that they could impart the information and modern investigative techniques acquired during the training to other policemen in their respective departments.
Training on every front of investigation, from search to digital evidence.
During the five days, the officers were given detailed information on various important aspects of investigation of drug related cases. In this, topics related to search and seizure process, sampling and documentation, PITNDPS Act, modern techniques of investigation and digital evidence were prominent. Apart from this, the officers were briefed on aspects related to CDR and IPDR analysis, financial investigation, investigation of sources of funds used in drug trafficking and prevention of misuse and illegal use of banned chemicals. During the training, officers were also trained on important topics like investigation of drug trade through darknet, synthetic drugs, secretly operated drug labs, monitoring of hearing of cases, cultivation of illegal narcotic crops and safe disposal of property seized in cases.
From darknet to drug lab, investigating officers are learning the answer to every trick
In the changing times, the method of drug trade is also changing rapidly. Along with traditional smuggling, the investigating agencies are also facing the challenge of using digital mediums, darknet and modern communication technologies by the criminals. In such a training program, officers were made aware of ways to access the entire network through understanding technical evidence, connecting digital links and investigating financial transactions. The program also emphasized that robust investigation along with proper seizure of evidence, proper processing of samples, documentation and effective prosecution of the case in court are of utmost importance in NDPS cases. Even small deficiencies in the investigation could affect the outcome of the trial, so officers were given special training on following prescribed legal procedure at each stage of the investigation.
Preparation of officers tested in mock test
Before the conclusion of the five-day training, a mock test was conducted for the officers. Through this, the knowledge and understanding acquired during the training was assessed. The officers who performed better in the examination were honored in the closing ceremony of the program. West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) felicitated the officers who topped the mock test and addressed the valedictory function of the training programme. The five-day training program formally concluded with his address.
Now a trained officer will teach new techniques to many policemen
The most important feature of the TOT program was that the officers involved were prepared to train other policemen in their respective departments in future. With this, the impact of the training will not be limited to only 54 officers but will also reach other investigating officers of the concerned police units. This joint initiative of NCB and West Bengal ANTF is being seen as an important training effort towards strengthening the professional capacity, technical understanding and legal procedures in investigation of NDPS cases.