News Highlights:
- India is facing the problem of drug trafficking, and the issue is assuming dangerous proportions.
- The narcotics trade is a social problem that harms youth and families, and the money it generates is diverted for disruptive activities that have bearings on national security.
Drug trafficking
- About
- The Drug trafficking/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 severe threat to public health, safety, and national security.
- Criminal organisations often control the trade, and its money is often used to fund other illicit activities such as terrorism and money laundering.
- Narcotics trade in India:
- The Narcotics trade is a severe problem in India, affecting the youth and families and leading to the diversion of money for disruptive activities that have a bearing on national security.
- India is a big market and a transit route for other countries. India has been seen as sandwiched between the Death (Golden) Crescent and Death (Golden) Triangle. The Golden Triangle is the second-largest opium production region in the world.
- The use of drones to supply drugs and weapons across the border in Punjab is a new phenomenon.
- India has surprisingly become a hot destination for cocaine, controlled by South American drug cartels.
- Investigations have revealed the connection of these cartels with NRIs based in Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and several European countries, along with local drug lords and gangsters in India.
Why is drug trafficking a severe security issue?
- Illegal money:
- Drug trafficking generates a significant amount of illegal money, which can fund other illegal activities such as terrorism, money laundering, and human trafficking.
- Social and economic consequences:
- Drug addiction and abuse can have severe social and economic consequences, including increased crime rates, loss of productivity, and strain on the healthcare system.
- Organised crime syndicates:
- Drug trafficking often involves organised crime syndicates, which can undermine the rule of law and weaken the state’s ability to maintain law and order.
- Impacts on regional stability:
- Drug trafficking can create instability in regions already vulnerable to conflict and violence as rival groups compete to control the lucrative trade.
Steps taken by India:
- Narcotics Control Bureau:
- The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is the nodal agency for combating drug trafficking in India.
- It works closely with other law enforcement agencies to prevent drug trafficking, intercept drug shipments, and prosecute drug traffickers.
- International cooperation:
- India has been cooperating with other countries to combat the narcotics trade.
- It has signed several bilateral and multilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation on drug trafficking, including the SAARC Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
- Seizure of drugs:
- Law enforcement agencies have been seizing large quantities of drugs recently.
- In 2020, the NCB seized over 9,500 kg of drugs and arrested over 5,000 people in drug-related cases.
- Awareness campaigns:
- The government has been running awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse.
- It has also been working with NGOs and civil society organisations to provide care and rehabilitation to drug addicts.
- Use of technology:
- Law enforcement agencies use technology to track drug trafficking.
- For example, the NCB has been using social media and the dark web to track drug trafficking.
- Strengthening border security:
- India has been strengthening its border security to prevent the entry of drugs into the country.
- The government has been using modern technology, such as drones and sensors, to monitor the borders.
- Use of financial intelligence:
- Law enforcement agencies use financial intelligence to track the money trail of drug traffickers.
- They are working closely with banks and financial institutions to identify suspicious transactions and freeze the assets of drug traffickers.
Pic Courtesy: Freepik
Content Source: The Indian Express