The drug trade is a global societal issue that has a negative impact on kids and families. This transaction generates funds that are diverted to disruptive actions affecting national security, keeping law enforcement agencies on edge. India is also dealing with the problem of drug trafficking, which has reached alarming proportions.
What is Narcotics trade?
- The unlawful manufacturing, distribution, and sale of drugs such as opium, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine is referred to as the narcotics trade.
- It is a global problem that endangers public health and safety as well as national security.
- The trade is frequently controlled by criminal organisations, and the proceeds are frequently used to fund other illegal operations such as terrorism and money laundering.
Narcotics trade is prevalent in India.
- Significant challenge: The narcotics trade is a serious problem in India, hurting young and families and diverting funds to disruptive activities that jeopardise national security.
- India is a large market and a transit route for other countries, sandwiched between the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle. India has traditionally been viewed as being wedged between the Death (Golden) Crescent and the Death (Golden) Triangle.
- Drones are being used to transfer drugs and weapons across the border in Punjab, which is a new phenomenon.
- India has surprisingly become a popular destination for cocaine, which is controlled by South American criminal traffickers. Investigations have established a link between these cartels and NRIs in Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and a number of European nations, as well as local drug lords and gangsters in India.
Concerns about the Indian narcotics trade
- Social and health consequences: The drug trade damages kids and families, leading to addiction and health issues.Funds diverted for disruptive activities: Proceeds from the narcotics trade are redirected for disruptive actions affecting national security.
- Increased terrorism: Cross-border drug traffickers have been discovered to have contacts with terrorist organisations such as Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, and the unlawful money is utilised for terror actions funded by the ISI.
- Infiltration of organised crime: Previously utilised to carry out extortion activities in their local areas, organised gangs are becoming addicted to the narcotics trade network and are being used for drug trafficking and gun running. This provides a link between terrorists and organised gangs/underworld, posing a new and troubling trend that security authorities must address efficiently.
- Darknet market proliferation: According to studies, 62% of the darknet is used for illicit drug trafficking. Darknet transactions are undermining established drug marketplaces due to their secrecy and minimal risk.
- Border security: The heroin and methamphetamine-producing areas have weak borders and are supposedly controlled by rebel groups who are aided indirectly by intelligence agencies. Illicit weapons are manufactured here and distributed to clandestine organisations operating in India.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-terrorist-drug-nexus-why-drug-trafficking-is-a-serious-security-issue-8561806/