Context:
Media sources have indicated that the ongoing crisis in Manipur may involve opium-related factors. Opium has historically played a kind of multiplier effect on pre-existing tensions and lines of fracture.Â
Drug trafficking in India:
- It is a serious issue which is posing challenges to the social, economic, and political fabric of the country.Â
- 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.Â
Data Points:
- India is one of the world’s largest opiate markets in terms of users and is vulnerable to increased supply from Afghanistan.Â
- 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. Â
- 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.
Reasons behind Drug Trafficking in India:
- Geographical Location: India’s location sandwiched between the “Golden Crescent†and “Golden Triangle†regions, which are major drug-producing areas, makes it vulnerable to drug trafficking. Â
- 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. Â
- For example, the North-East States sharing borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, China, and Bhutan are the hot-spots for drug smuggling. Â
- Large Population: India has a large population generating a high demand for drugs, both for recreational and medicinal purposes. Â
- For example, drugs like marijuana and cocaine are in high demand in metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Â
- Lack of awareness: People lack awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.Â
- For Example: Young uneducated people are particularly vulnerable to falling prey to drug traffickers. Â
- Corruption: Corruption among law enforcement agencies and government officials allows drug traffickers to operate with impunity. Â
- For Example, some drug traffickers are able to bribe officials at border crossings to allow them to smuggle drugs into the country without being caught. Â
Challenges in Regulating Drug Trafficking in India:
- Role of Technology: Drug traffickers are increasingly using technology to evade law enforcement agencies.Â
- For example, darknet is used to sell drugs, untraceable internet-based technology used for drug-related communications, and drones to transport drugs from across the border. Â
- Stigmatization: Drug abuse and addiction are often stigmatized in Indian society, which hinders efforts to create awareness and promote prevention measures. Â
- Lack of coordination among law enforcement agencies: The perceived lack of coordination among different agencies has led to the failure to effectively tackle drug trafficking and abuse. Â
- Political Interference: It hampers the work of law enforcement agencies and hinders their ability to tackle drug trafficking effectively. Â
Way Forward:
- Public Awareness Campaigns: The government can create public awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of preventing drug trafficking. Â
- Rehabilitation: The government needs to provide support for drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation, including setting up more treatment centres.
- Strengthening the Law Enforcement Agencies: 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.Â
- International Collaboration: The government can work with other countries to increase international cooperation and sharing of information and intelligence on drug trafficking networks. Â
- Improving Socio-economic Factors: The government needs to address the issues through poverty reduction measures, employment generation schemes, and increasing access to education. Â
- Stricter Laws and Regulations: The government needs to strengthen laws and regulations related to drug trafficking and impose stricter penalties for offenders. Â
News Source: The Hindu
To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.