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Who is a Narcotics Officer?
That’s all drugs and alcohol do; they cut off your emotions in the end ~Ringo Starr
A Narcotics Officer is an officer employed by the state to investigate the usage of drugs and their trafficking. A narcotics officer conducts undercover operations, investigates suspected drug dealers, executes raids and other appropriate actions for arresting these traffickers to reduce the circulation of drugs in the country.
A narcotics officer works in collaboration with other government agencies to stop drug trafficking at borders. He or she engages with various NGOs and public organisations to teach people about the dangerous effects of drug usage. A narcotics officer plays an important role in reducing the illegal activities of drug dealers and the circulation of drugs in the nation.

Quick Facts for Narcotics Officer
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Industry
Pharmaceutical
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Average Salary in India
₹48400
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
A career as Narcotics Officer is not a gender-restricted role. It provides equal opportunities to everyone no matter whether someone is male, female, or belong to any other gender.
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Any special needs
Yes
A career as Narcotics Officer is not suitable for candidates with special needs. There are drugs that hold great value in the market for both supplier and buyer. A Narcotics Officer has to deal with criminals involved in drug trafficking. Candidates with special needs are not fit for this role.
Table of Contents for Narcotics Officer
What is the role of Narcotics Officer?
A career as Narcotics Officer requires coordinating with law enforcement departments and other federal agencies. He or she works alongside the police officers to keep an eye on the illegal business of selling drugs and poisons that inflict our surroundings. A Narcotics Officer conducts an undercover investigation to catch the culprits involved in drug trafficking.
The Narcotics Officer apprehends and cuts the flow of drugs in the market.
A narcotics officer combats narcotic possession, sales, and distribution.
A narcotics officer is responsible for investigating and apprehending suspected individuals
The role of a narcotics officer is to gather facts and information that supports the case to produce it to the magistrate.
A narcotics officer is responsible for observing and capturing photographs of the narcotics purchase transaction.
He or she conducts an undercover investigation so that he or she can gather more evidence against the criminal and arrest him or her.
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Types of a Narcotics Officer
There are different types of narcotics officers depending upon their skills, experience, and field of specialisation. This can include narcotics Control Bureau Officers, State narcotics officers, and others. We have mentioned below the major types of a narcotics officer with their varying job responsibilities.
Intelligence Officer: An intelligence officer is responsible for the enforcement of the narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances act. He or she uses his or her intelligence to collect information, investigate, seize, search and arrest the culprits involved in drug trafficking or drug dealing.
Narcotics Inspector: A Narcotics Inspector's role is similar to that of a police inspector. He or she is responsible for dealing with smugglers and drug dealers. A narcotics inspector is responsible for apprehending the culprits involved in manufacturing psychotropic substances.
What is the workplace/work environment of Narcotics Officer like?
A Narcotics Officer works in an office environment as well as performs field duties. It is quite usual in the career of a narcotics officer to stay away from family and friends for days to perform their duties which include research, documenting evidence, and undercover investigation to get information on the latest drug trends and track down the culprits, drug smugglers, and suppliers.
Does Narcotics Officer require travelling?
Likely
A Narcotics Officer job role is similar to a Police Officer's. He or she has to travel to conduct investigations and collect evidence to arrest the criminals involved in the sales and usage of drugs.
Time Pressure
Likely
Yes, a Narcotics Officer is required to perform under extreme time pressure. It is one of the risky job roles which requires dealing with criminals.
How to become a Narcotics Officer?
Steps to become a Narcotics Officer
If you are curious about how to become a Narcotics Officer in India, this article will guide you through the steps and qualifications required to pursue a career in narcotics law enforcement. From the educational requirements to the necessary training, we will provide you with a clear path to becoming a part of the dedicated team working to combat drug-related crimes in the country.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Narcotics Officer?
There are several skills and qualities required to become a narcotics officer. Some of the most important skill sets and academic qualifications include evidence collection and enforcement of law. We have mentioned below the major narcotics officer skills that a narcotics officer must possess.
Evidence Collection: A narcotics officer is responsible for the collection of evidence. He or she is responsible for conducting a criminal investigation. It includes interviews, interrogation, and collection of forensic evidence to lead development and warrant service. This helps in identification of culprits and making appropriate plans to catch the criminals.
Enforcement of Law: A narcotics officer is responsible for enforcing the law that prohibits the sale and usage of psychotropic drugs except for medicinal purposes. He or she conducts surveillance, and forensic photography, and collects evidence to support the case in a court of law.
Physical Strength: A narcotics officer must be physically fit. He or she has to deal with criminals on a regular basis. He or she sometimes has to act as a drug dealer to develop a trap to apprehend the culprits and the whole racket of people involved in it from its manufacturing to illegal selling.
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Narcotics Officer?
A candidate can top-up his or her existing knowledge and skills by opting for certification courses. We have provided below several certification courses in criminology that may help you to upgrade your knowledge for a career as a narcotics officer.
Internship Availability
The training is provided by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to selected individuals. The Narcotics Control Bureau provides training to ensure a greater understanding of drug law enforcement. It provides knowledge of uniform practice and effective countermeasures. Adequate training also enhances the quality of cooperation among drug law enforcement agencies.
Narcotics Officer Jobs and Salaries
Assistant Director
- Average Salary 39100
Job Description
An assistant director is responsible for providing support to the Deputy Director, Deputy Director-General and Director-General in the enforcement of the law under the narcotics and psychotropic drugs act, 1985.
Salary Description
The salary of the Assistant Director comes in the bracket of Rs.15600 to Rs. 39100 with additional grade pay of Rs. 6600 per month.
Deputy Director
- Average Salary 39100
Job Description
A deputy director is responsible for the enforcement of the narcotics drugs and psychotropic drugs act, of 1985. He or she collects and develops intelligence concerning drug trafficking by search, seizure, and arrest of traffickers.
Salary Description
The salary of the deputy director comes in the bracket of Rs. 15600 to Rs. 39,100 with additional grade pay of Rs. 7600 per month.
Deputy Director-General
Permanent
- Average Salary 67000
Job Description
A Deputy Director-General is responsible for building strategies with the Director-General and provides him or her with all the necessary support to apprehend drug trafficking criminals.
Salary Description
The salary of the Deputy Director-General comes in the bracket of Rs. 37400 to Rs. 67000 with additional grade pay of Rs. 10,000 per month.
What is the job outlook for Narcotics Officer?
The Narcotics Officer job role is offered by the central as well as state government. The recruitment is done through UPSC and SSC examinations. There is also internal recruitment done by Narcotics Bureau Control. There are numerous Narcotics Officer jobs offered by the Narcotics Control Bureau with varying roles and responsibilities.
The promotions and increments are provided to individuals based on their eligibility (experience and performance). There are administrative departments, police and control departments, and operations departments along with other departments functional within the NCB to enforce the narcotics drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Frequently Asked Questions for Narcotics Officer
Que. What is the eligibility criteria to take up the role of Deputy Director?
Ans.Individuals must possess experience of five years serving as an IAS officer or ‘A’ grade central services. In order to fulfil Narcotics eligibility, candidates must possess a minimum bachelor’s degree in any specialisation.
Que. What is the salary of an Intelligence Officer in NCB?
Ans.The salary of an Intelligence officer ranges Rs. 9300 to Rs. 34800 with additional grade pay of Rs. 4200 per month.
Que. What is the degree required to become a Narcotics Officer?
Ans.There is no mandatory requirement for a specific specialisation. A bachelor’s degree in any specialisation fulfils the minimum academic requirement.
Que. Who is the present Director General of NCB?
Ans.Rakesh Asthana is the present Director General of NCB.
Que. What is the qualification for narcotics?
Ans.The Narcotics Qualifications typically include a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as criminal justice or law enforcement. Candidates often need to meet specific age and physical fitness requirements, and passing competitive examinations or interviews is crucial.
Que. Who is a narcotics officer?
Ans.A narcotics officer is a law enforcement professional responsible for investigating, preventing, and combating drug-related crimes. They work to enforce drug laws and regulations, often with specialised training to handle narcotics and psychotropic substances.
Que. How to join narcotics control bureau in India?
Ans.To join the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in India, candidates typically need to qualify for the Indian Police Service (IPS) through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination. After successfully joining the IPS, officers can express their interest in working with the NCB and undergo specialised training in narcotics enforcement. Entry can also be possible for existing police officers through departmental promotions and transfers to the NCB.
Que. What is the salary of Sub Inspector Narcotics Officer?
Ans.The salary of Sub Inspector Narcotics Officer ranges Rs. 5200 to 20200 with additional grade pay of Rs. 2400 per month.
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