MANUFACTURE OF NARCOTIC DRUGS

1. Narcotic drugs are of two kinds- natural and synthetic. Natural narcotic drugs of great medical use such as morphine, codeine and thebaine are produced from opium. Synthetic narcotic drugs are manufactured in factories and do not need any plant products as raw material. Thus, the manufacture of natural narcotic drugs indirectly affects the demand for opium and the area in which farmers should be allowed to cultivate opium. Hence, sudden change in production levels of natural narcotic drugs should be avoided to cause least difficulties to the farmers. India is one of the few countries that are internationally permitted to grow opium and successive resolutions of the UN Economic and Social Council require India (and other producing countries) to maintain a balance between demand and supply. Thus, on the one hand, India shares with other opium poppy growing countries the responsibility of ensuring that there is adequate supply of opium and opiates in the world and on the other has the responsibility to avoid excessive accumulation of stocks.

2. The policy with reference to manufacture and use of natural narcotic drugs, their salts and preparations, to the extent they are controlled, will be as follows:

a) Alkaloids of opium will be produced in the most efficient and cost-effective manner in the country including through involvement of private sector.

b) Maximum possible value addition within the country will be promoted through conversion of alkaloids into pharmaceutical preparations, use of alkaloids to produce other value added drugs and other similar measures, to the extent that they are consistent with the requirement of public interest and is in consonance with India’s obligations under International treaties, conventions or protocols.

c) Efforts will be made to increase the total income of cultivators of opium poppy.

d) Every effort will be made to fully meet Indian and global needs for opiates, their derivatives and preparations.

e) Production and trade of opiates will be strictly regulated with a view to prevent and minimize the scope for diversions.

3. Manufacture of synthetic narcotic drugs, their salts and preparations, to the extent they are controlled, will be licensed by the Narcotics Commissioner subject to the INCB approved estimate of each such drug for the year.

4. India is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of pharmaceuticals in the world. Hence, it has an ethical obligation to contribute to the medical supply of narcotic drugs in the world. Subject to the regulations of the INCB, manufacture as well as export of narcotic drugs and their preparations shall be encouraged as far as possible.