DRUGS TRAFFICKING

Published on 04 Feb 2025

The narcotics trade refers to the illegal production, distribution, and sale of drugs such as opium, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. It is a global issue that poses a serious threat to public health and safety, as well as national security. The trade is often controlled by criminal organizations, and the money generated from it is often used to fund other illicit activities such as terrorism and money laundering.

Reasons behind drug trafficking in India  

• Geographical Location: India's proximity to major drug-producing countries like Afghanistan and Myanmar makes it a transit and distribution point for drugs heading to global markets. 

• Example: The Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) and the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran) are notorious drug-producing regions that are geographically close to India.

• Poverty and Unemployment: High levels of poverty and unemployment in certain regions of India drive individuals to engage in drug trafficking as a means of economic survival. 

• Example: In States like Punjab, economic struggles have been linked to drug trafficking and addiction issues.

• Corruption: Corruption within law enforcement agencies, customs, and border control can enable drug trafficking networks to operate with relative impunity. 

• Example: Some drug traffickers can bribe officials at border crossings to allow them to smuggle drugs into the country without being caught.  

• High Consumption: India has a significant drug consumption problem, and domestic demand for drugs fuels the trafficking trade. The growth of urban areas and changing lifestyles have contributed to an increase in drug consumption. 

• Example: The rise in the abuse of prescription drugs, such as opioids, has led to a corresponding increase in illicit trafficking.

• High Demand: India has a large population, and there is a high demand for drugs, both for recreational and medicinal purposes. 

• Example: Drugs like marijuana and cocaine are in high demand in metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi.  

• Lack of Effective Border Control: India's extensive and porous borders make it challenging to prevent the smuggling of drugs. The vast coastline and numerous land borders provide multiple entry points for drug traffickers. 

• Example: Drug smuggling across the India-Pakistan border or the India-Nepal border highlights the difficulties in enforcing strict border control measures.

• Conflict Zones and Insurgency: Areas affected by conflict and insurgency can provide safe havens for drug production and trafficking. Rebel groups often engage in drug cultivation and trade to finance their activities. 

• Example: Regions affected by the Naxalite movement have been associated with marijuana cultivation and trafficking.

• Cultural and Traditional Practices: Some regions in India have a history of traditional drug use for cultural or religious purposes. 

• Example: The opium poppy, has been used traditionally in some parts of India. This can inadvertently provide a cover for illegal drug production and trafficking.

• Lack of Awareness and Education: Insufficient awareness and education about the dangers of drug abuse can lead to higher demand and consumption. 

• Example: Young people who are not educated about the risks of drug abuse are particularly vulnerable to falling prey to drug traffickers.  

• Globalization and Technology: Global connectivity enables drug networks to communicate and coordinate easily. The dark web and encryption enable discreet drug trade.

• Example: Synthetic drugs like MDMA (Ecstasy) can be ordered online and shipped discreetly.

• Weak Legal Framework: Gaps in laws and lenient penalties for drug-related offences can embolden traffickers. Legal loopholes make it harder to curb trafficking activities.

Impact of Drug Trafficking on National Security

According to the recent Annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the issue of drug trafficking and the cross-border movement of illicit substances poses a significant threat to India's internal security. The report highlights the alarming rise in drug-related crimes, addiction rates, and the nexus between drug traffickers and organized criminal networks.

• Social 

• Social Breakdown of Communities: Drug addiction creates a cycle of poverty, crime, and limited access to opportunities for socio-economic growth also leading to Youth Vulnerability and Radicalization.

• Example: In states like Punjab and Manipur, where drug abuse is prevalent, there has been a rise in crime rates, including theft, robbery, and violence, leading to social unrest and economic.

• Deterioration of Public Health: Drug trafficking contributes to the spread of drug abuse and addiction, leading to health crises and straining healthcare systems. 

• Example: Methamphetamine (meth) is an addictive drug and can cause considerable health adversities that can sometimes result in death.

• Increased Crime and Violence: Drug trafficking often leads to heightened levels of violent crime as rival gangs compete for control over drug markets. 

• Example: The violence associated with drug cartels in Mexico has had a devastating impact on local communities.

• Political 

• Corruption: Drug trafficking often involves collusion with corrupt officials, leading to the erosion of institutional integrity and weakening law enforcement agencies undermining the security of the nation.

• Example: Instances bribing law enforcement officials to facilitate the transportation and distribution of illicit drugs, undermine the credibility and effectiveness.

• Instability and Insurgency: Drug trafficking profits can fund insurgent and terrorist groups, allowing them to challenge the authority of governments and engage in acts of violence that destabilize regions. 

• Example: Taliban's involvement in the opium trade in Afghanistan has funded their insurgency.

• Economic 

• Damage to the Tourism Industry: Areas with drug-related violence and instability can experience a decline in tourism, impacting local businesses and economies. 

• Example: The reputation of certain regions in Mexico has suffered due to drug-related violence.

• Decline in Foreign Aid: Countries with high levels of drug trafficking may face reduced foreign aid and grants due to concerns over security and instability, impacting their ability to invest in development projects.

• Loss of Tax Revenue: Illicit drug trade often operates outside the formal economy, resulting in lost tax revenue for governments. This can limit the government's capacity to provide essential services.

• Security 

• Weapons Trafficking: Breach of the international borders of the country by drug traffickers implies that the same routes could be used for smuggling weapons as well as terrorists into the country.

• Example: In states like Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern region, drug trafficking networks have links with insurgent groups, providing resources to carry out anti-national activities.

• Drug Cartels in Border States: These networks can impact security by enabling the movement of not only drugs but also potential threats.

• Example: States like Punjab and Rajasthan, which share borders with Pakistan, have faced challenges from drug trafficking networks that exploit the porous border.

• Proliferation of darknet markets: Drug trafficking creates a market for arms trafficking, child trafficking and exchanging black money but due to its anonymity law agencies are unable to trace these darknet transactions.

Steps taken to curb Drug Menace

• Institutional Measures 

• Narco-Coordination Centre: The Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) was constituted in November 2016 for effective drug law enforcement and cooperation between the centre and state agencies.

• Initiatives of Indian Coast Guards: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has developed a good synergy with the security agencies and with the coast guards of Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bangladesh for the seizure of such drugs.

• Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs): These centres offer comprehensive rehabilitation services to individuals with substance abuse disorders.  

• Example: The MoSJE provides financial assistance to NGOs and voluntary organizations for the maintenance of Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs). 

• Seizure Information Management System (SIMS): For digitisation of pan-India drug seizure data, the MHA has launched an e-portal.

• Border Strengthening for surveillance: Organizations have also been empowered under the NDPS Act to make drug seizures to prevent cross-border drug smuggling.

• Example: Active involvement of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Border Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, National Investigation Agency etc.

• Law Enforcement Actions: Establishment of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in 1986 to coordinate anti-drug efforts and combat trafficking. Joint operations by NCB and state police to bust drug trafficking networks. 

• Example: "Operation Cocaine" in 2021 led to several arrests and seizures of cocaine shipments.

• Legislative Measures 

• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985: Prohibits a person from producing, possessing, selling, purchasing, transporting, storing, and/or consuming any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance.

• National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse: It was created in accordance with a provision of the NDPS, 1985 for meeting the expenditure incurred in measures taken for combating illicit trafficking and controlling abuse of drugs and substances

• National Narcotics Coordination Portal: The multiplicity of stakeholders in Drug Law Enforcement has necessitated coordination between various agencies on real real-time basis.

• Example: The Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted a four-tier coordination mechanism (Apex NCORD, Executive NCORD, State NCORD and District CORD) for the same. 

• National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR): MoSJE launched the NAPDDR for 2018-2025. The Plan aims at the reduction of adverse consequences of drug abuse through a multi-pronged strategy.

• Technical measures

• Strengthening border security: India has been strengthening its border security to prevent the entry of drugs into the country. 

• Example: Law enforcement agencies have employed drones for aerial surveillance to monitor remote and inaccessible areas where drug cultivation or trafficking might occur.

• Use of financial intelligence: Law enforcement agencies are using financial intelligence to track the money trail of drug traffickers. 

• Smart Border Fencing: Implementing smart fencing equipped with sensors, cameras, and alarms along vulnerable border areas to prevent unauthorized crossing and smuggling. 

• Example: India-Pakistan border has witnessed the deployment of smart border fencing technology.

• Perception Management Measures 

• Skill Development: Initiatives to provide vocational training and skill development to former drug addicts to reintegrate them into society.

• Example: The "UDAAN" project in Punjab offers training in various skills to recovering addicts.

• School and College Programs: Incorporating drug prevention education into school curricula to sensitize students to the risks of drug abuse.

• Example: "Say No to Drugs" campaigns in schools to educate children about the harmful effects of drugs.

• Community Engagement: Involvement of local communities in awareness campaigns and rehabilitation efforts.

• Example: "Bharat Kabaddi Cup" organized by the Punjab Police to spread awareness about drug abuse among youth.

• Treatment and Rehabilitation: Setting up of drug de-addiction centres and treatment facilities across the country.

• Example: Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was launched in 2020 to tackle the issue of Substance Abuse and a vision to make India drug-free.

• International Measures 

• UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND): It is a central policy-making body for the UN drug control system, to control substances by placing them in the schedules of global drug control conventions.

• Bilateral Agreements and Conventions: India has signed several bilateral agreements and conventions with other countries to regulate drug trafficking.

• Example: UN Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs 1961, The Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 and The Convention on Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.  

• Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs): India has signed various MLATs with other countries to cooperate in the investigation, prosecution, and extradition of drug traffickers. 

• Example: These MLATs provide a legal framework for the sharing of information and evidence between the signatory countries.  

• Participation in international organizations: India is a member of many international organizations that work to coordinate international efforts to prevent drug trafficking.  

• Example: India is a member of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB),

• Joint Operations and Information Sharing: India cooperates with other countries through joint operations and sharing of intelligence to prevent drug trafficking.  

• Example: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has developed a good synergy not only with the security agencies but also with the coast guards of Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bangladesh.

Challenges in tackling drug trafficking in India

• Social 

• Lack of Social Awareness: Drug abuse and addiction are often stigmatized in Indian society, which hinders efforts to create awareness and promote prevention measures.  

• Inadequate Rehabilitation Facilities: The available facilities are often insufficient to cater to the needs of the large number of people struggling with addiction.  

• Political 

• Political Interference: Political interference often hampers the work of law enforcement agencies and hinders their ability to tackle drug trafficking effectively.  

• Insufficient Law Enforcement Apparatus: Despite efforts to improve law enforcement, there is a perceived lack of coordination among different agencies. This has led to the failure to effectively tackle drug trafficking and abuse.  

• Rise of Synthetic Drugs: The emergence of synthetic drugs, which are often more potent and difficult to detect, poses a challenge for law enforcement agencies that need to stay updated.

• Example: The emergence of new synthetic drugs, such as synthetic cannabinoids and designer drugs.

• Technical 

• Dark Net: Darknet markets are difficult to trace because of their anonymity and low risks. They have taken over the traditional drug markets. 

• Example: Studies reveal that 62% of the darknet is being used for illicit drug trafficking.

• Transactions in Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrency payments and doorstep deliveries, through courier services, have made darknet transactions attractive.

• Tech Savvy: The traffickers have adopted new-age technologies which have posed new challenges to the security forces.

• Example: Supplying drugs and guns through drones in Punjab

• Anonymous methods: The drug traffickers have started relying more upon courier/parcel/post after the restrictions imposed on vehicular/ship/airline movement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Example: A few persons were arrested for selling drugs through e-commerce websites like Amazon by listing fake products on the website.

Way forward

• Legislative 

• Strengthening law enforcement: India should strengthen its law enforcement agencies and provide them with the necessary resources and training to effectively tackle the narcotics trade. 

• Example: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) should be given more teeth and made more proactive in tracking down drug traffickers and seizing drugs.  

• Addressing socio-economic issues: Socio-economic factors like poverty, unemployment, and lack of education can contribute to drug abuse and trafficking. 

• Example: Poverty alleviation and employment generation programmes like MGNREGA.

• Stricter punishment: India needs to introduce stricter punishment for drug traffickers and increase the penalties for drug-related crimes. 

• Youth Engagement and Skill Development: Provide opportunities for skill development, vocational training, and recreational activities for young people to divert them from drug abuse. 

• Example: Initiatives like the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in India focus on enhancing employability among youth.

• Security 

• Improving border control: The government can improve border control by increasing surveillance, using advanced technology and equipment, and strengthening border security forces.  

• Example: By taking a multi-faceted approach, India can overcome the issue of drug trafficking and make progress towards a drug-free society.

• International cooperation: India needs to engage with its neighbouring countries to ensure that they take steps to prevent the production and transit of narcotics through their territories. 

• Example: India should also collaborate with international agencies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to develop a coordinated approach towards combating the drug menace.

• Perception Management 

• Creating public awareness: The government can create public awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of preventing drug trafficking.  

• Example: Stigmatization of drug addiction can prevent individuals from seeking help and rehabilitation.

• Tackling drug addiction: The government can provide more support for drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation, including setting up more treatment centres and providing more funding for existing ones.  

• Reducing demand: Reducing demand for drugs can be done through community-based prevention programs, education, and awareness campaigns.  

• Example: Awareness must be spread among the people to lower drug addiction through campaigns and NGOs.

• Education and Awareness Programs: Implement comprehensive drug education programs in schools and communities to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of drug abuse. 

• Example: Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program in various states in India aims to educate students about the dangers of drugs.

• Technical 

• Use of technology: India needs to leverage technology to track and intercept drug shipments. The use of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles can be explored to monitor the movement of drugs across borders.

• Monitoring darknet activities: India needs to monitor activities on the darknet and take action against those engaged in drug trafficking through this channel. 

• Example: The Narcotics Control Bureau can work with international agencies to track down drug traffickers operating on the darknet.

The problem of drug trafficking is a growing threat to India’s security, and the issue needs to be addressed urgently. Concerted and coordinated efforts of all the agencies will be required to tackle this growing threat. The nexus between terrorists and organized gangs/underworld is a new and disturbing trend and law enforcement agencies must develop new strategies to counter the new trends.

Tags:
Security

Keywords:
Drug trafficking Internal security Organized crime Terrorism NCORD Golden triangle Golden Crescent

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Internal Security