New Delhi, Aug. 4 -- The Central Government has approved the establishment of a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zonal Office in Shimla to strengthen efforts to combat drug trafficking and enhance enforcement capabilities in Himachal Pradesh, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

In a written reply to a question by BJP MP Dr Rajeev Bharadwaj, Rai said the decision follows requests from the Himachal Pradesh government for a stronger NCB presence in the state.

"A Field Office of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has been operational in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, since January 21, 2024. A request from the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh was received for augmenting the presence of ...