Drug trafficking in India: emerging challenges – Explained, pointwise

Introduction

Drug trafficking in India is a serious issue that poses challenges to the social, economic, and political fabric of the country. The illegal trade of drugs has been a persistent problem, and it continues to evolve and become more sophisticated with new technologies and methods.

The emergence of darknet markets and increased use of maritime routes has posed new challenges in the fight against drug trafficking in India. It is important to address these emerging challenges with innovative solutions to ensure the well-being and safety of society.  

About the status of Drug trafficking in India

According to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)’s latest annual report, drug trafficking through sea routes in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal accounts for around 70% of the total illegal drugs smuggled into India. The use of maritime routes by international drug syndicates based in Pakistan and Afghanistan is expected to increase.  

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s World Drug Report 2022 revealed that India is one of the world’s largest opiate markets in terms of users and is vulnerable to increased supply from Afghanistan. Punjab and Himachal Pradesh are leading in India’s epidemic of opioid users, while Gujarat is now the third worst state in terms of drug overdose deaths.  

A survey report by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) in 2019 showed that drug consumption in India has increased compared to the survey report in 2004.  

Over 60% of the darknet is being used for illegal drug trade due to its anonymity and low risks. The use of cryptocurrency payments and courier services for doorstep delivery has made darknet transactions more appealing than traditional drug markets.  

What are the reasons behind Drug trafficking in India?

There are several reasons behind drug trafficking in India, some of which are:  

Geographical location: India’s location between the “Golden Crescent” and “Golden Triangle” regions, which are major drug-producing areas, makes it vulnerable to drug trafficking.  

Example: Drugs like heroin, opium, and hashish are produced in the Golden Crescent, which includes Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, and are smuggled into India through the northwest border.  

Porous borders: India shares borders with several countries that are known for drug production and trafficking, and these borders are often poorly guarded and easily penetrated by smugglers.  

For instance, the North-East States that share borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, China, and Bhutan are the hot-spots for drug smuggling.  

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

For example, drugs like marijuana and cocaine are in high demand in metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi.  

Lack of awareness: There is a lack of awareness among people about the dangers of drug abuse, and many people do not know how to identify drug abuse or how to get help.  

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

Corruption: Corruption among law enforcement agencies and government officials allows drug traffickers to operate with impunity.  

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

What are the various initiatives undertaken to regulate Drug trafficking in India?

Domestic initiatives:

National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS): It was introduced in 1985 to regulate drug trafficking and the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India.  

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): It is the nodal agency for drug law enforcement in India. It was established in 1986 to coordinate drug law enforcement efforts across the country.  

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

The Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted a four tier coordination mechanism for increasing coordination amongst the nationwide stakeholders from grass root level to apex level and effectively combating the menace of drugs. The Apex NCORD, Executive NCORD, State NCORD and District CORD are four pillars of mechanism.  

Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs): The MoSJE provides financial assistance to NGOs and voluntary organizations for the maintenance of Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs). These centers offer comprehensive rehabilitation services to individuals with substance abuse disorders.  

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

The activities under the NAPDDR, inter-alia, include awareness generation programmes in schools/colleges/ Universities, workshops/seminars/ with parents, community based peer led interactions intervention programmes for vulnerable adolescent and youth in the community, provisioning of treatment facilities and capacity building of service providers.  

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan/Drugs-Free India Campaign: It was flagged off on 15th August 2020 (Independence Day) for 272 districts across 32 State/Union Territories that have been identified as the most vulnerable in terms of usage of drugs in the country. It is operational with the involvement of more than 500 voluntary organizations across the country, which are assisted financially under the NAPDDR scheme.  

International collaborations and treaties:  

Bilateral Agreements and Conventions: India has signed several bilateral agreements and conventions with other countries to regulate drug trafficking, including the 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. 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 the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), which work to coordinate international efforts to prevent drug trafficking.  

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

For example, The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in conjunction with the intelligence agencies, has been making big seizures frequently. ICG has developed a good synergy not only with the security agencies but also with the coast guards of Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bangladesh.  

What are the challenges in regulating Drug trafficking in India?   

Technological Advancements: Drug traffickers are increasingly using technology to evade law enforcement agencies. For instance, they use the darknet to sell drugs, untraceable internet-based technology for drug-related communications, and drones to transport drugs from across the border.  

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.  

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: There is a need to develop more rehabilitation facilities for drug addicts in India. The available facilities are often insufficient to cater to the needs of the large number of people struggling with addiction.  

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

What is should be done?

Strengthening law enforcement: The government should take measures to strengthen the law enforcement agencies involved in drug control, including Customs, the Narcotics Control Bureau, and state police forces. This can include providing them with better training, technology, and resources.  

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.  

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.  

Increasing international cooperation: The government can work with other countries to increase international cooperation and sharing of information and intelligence on drug trafficking networks.  

Addressing socio-economic issues: Socio-economic factors like poverty, unemployment, and lack of education can contribute to drug abuse and trafficking. Therefore, the government can address these issues through poverty reduction measures, employment generation schemes, and increasing access to education.  

Strengthening laws and regulations: The government can strengthen laws and regulations related to drug trafficking and impose stricter penalties for offenders.  

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

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

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

Sources: Indian Express (Article 1 and Article 2), The Wire, The Hindu, AIR, Hindustan Times and The Hindu Businessline

Syllabus: GS – 3: Security Issues – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.