India is among the world's biggest producers of illicit drugs, according to a US report.
Washington:
India, along with 21 other counties, has been designated as a major illicit drug producing country by US President Barack Obama.
The list includes countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nicaragua.
In a notification, the US further designated Bolivia, Myanmar and Venezuela as those countries that have failed demonstrably during the previous 12 months to adhere to their obligations under international counter-narcotic agreements and take measures against them.
However, the US will continue to provide aid to Myanmar and Venezuela under its international narcotics control program.
Mr Obama said that a country's presence on the foregoing Major Drug Transit and Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries list is not a reflection of its counter-narcotic efforts, but only an indication of how much more needs to be done.
"In concert with international partners, the US is expanding its domestic and international funding for drug treatment and recovery support programs based on scientific evidence," Mr Obama said.
There is a growing international consensus that counter- narcotics programs must be designed and implemented with the aim of improving the health and safety of individuals while preventing and reducing violence and other harmful consequences to communities, he added.
To achieve greater balance, US drug policy also includes stepped-up promotion of effective alternative development programs and others who agree to stop illegal drug cultivation and associated activities.
Mr Obama said heroin in the US is being increasingly adulterated with low-cost synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl. Research has shown that fentanyl and its analogues can be 25 to 50 times more potent than heroin, he added.
According to US law enforcement, most illicit fentanyl, precursors, and fentanyl analogues that have been identified in the US originate in China and enter the country via Mexico, Canada, or direct mail, Mr Obama added.
The list includes countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nicaragua.
In a notification, the US further designated Bolivia, Myanmar and Venezuela as those countries that have failed demonstrably during the previous 12 months to adhere to their obligations under international counter-narcotic agreements and take measures against them.
However, the US will continue to provide aid to Myanmar and Venezuela under its international narcotics control program.
Mr Obama said that a country's presence on the foregoing Major Drug Transit and Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries list is not a reflection of its counter-narcotic efforts, but only an indication of how much more needs to be done.
"In concert with international partners, the US is expanding its domestic and international funding for drug treatment and recovery support programs based on scientific evidence," Mr Obama said.
There is a growing international consensus that counter- narcotics programs must be designed and implemented with the aim of improving the health and safety of individuals while preventing and reducing violence and other harmful consequences to communities, he added.
To achieve greater balance, US drug policy also includes stepped-up promotion of effective alternative development programs and others who agree to stop illegal drug cultivation and associated activities.
Mr Obama said heroin in the US is being increasingly adulterated with low-cost synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl. Research has shown that fentanyl and its analogues can be 25 to 50 times more potent than heroin, he added.
According to US law enforcement, most illicit fentanyl, precursors, and fentanyl analogues that have been identified in the US originate in China and enter the country via Mexico, Canada, or direct mail, Mr Obama added.
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