Rakesh Asthana

IPS officer Rakesh Asthana took charge as the chief of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The 1984-batch Gujarat cadre officer has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the NCB in an “additional” capacity. He is already serving as the DG of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved for “entrustment of the additional charge of the post of Director General Narcotics Control Bureau” to Asthana for next six months or till a new incumbent is appointed.

The post of NCB chief was lying vacant since July 4 after incumbent Abhay was appointed as Director of Hyderabad-based Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy.

At the NCB, the officer is expected to review and initiate quality operations to crack on the narcotics smuggling, nexus of drugs mafia and couriers and money laundering crimes in the wake of the Union government’s stress to act against such instances.