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. 

Drug trafficking in India:

• It is a serious issue which is posing 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. 

Data Points:

• 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.  
• 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.  
• 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 example, the North-East States sharing borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, China, and Bhutan are the hot-spots for drug smuggling.  
• Large Population: India has a large population generating 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: People lack awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. 
  • For Example: Young uneducated people 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.  
  • 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.  

Challenges in Regulating Drug Trafficking in India:

• Role of Technology: Drug traffickers are increasingly using technology to evade law enforcement agencies. 
  • 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.  
• Stigmatization: Drug abuse and addiction are often stigmatized in Indian society, which hinders efforts to create awareness and promote prevention measures.  
• 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.  
• Political Interference: It hampers the work of law enforcement agencies and hinders their ability to tackle drug trafficking effectively.  

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.  
• 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. 
• International Collaboration: The government can work with other countries to increase international cooperation and sharing of information and intelligence on drug trafficking networks.  
• Improving Socio-economic Factors: The government needs to address the issues through poverty reduction measures, employment generation schemes, and increasing access to education.  
• Stricter Laws and Regulations: The government needs to strengthen laws and regulations related to drug trafficking and impose stricter penalties for offenders.  

News Source: The Hindu