The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it.

The recent seizure of over 12,000 tonnes of drugs by NCB and Indian Navy joint operation showcases the menace of drug trafficking in South Asia.

[Diagram showing map of South Asia with labels: IRAN, PAK, AFGHANISTAN, MYANMAR, THAILAND, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, INDIA, with affected areas marked]

Causes of Menace of drug trafficking:

i) Position of India between Golden crescent and Golden Triangle.

ii) Existence of organisation such as Jamaati-Islami operating drug smuggling issue

iii) Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and coup in Myanmar increase the menace

iv) Geo-economic crisis in Pakistan.

v) Pakistan supplying drugs through drone technology – dropping cross border items

Pakistan strategy to destabilise India through drug addiction.

Challenges of drug trafficking:

(L) Narco-terrorism

Drug trafficking → Generation of funds → Terrorist funding

Through organised crime networks (OC) ← Protection to OC networks

(ii) Addiction among youth – declining the opportunity from demographic dividend.

(iii) Illegal money generation → Money laundering network (black money).

Placement → Layering → Integration.

(iv) Rise in cross border infiltration – affecting security of the country.

Therefore, a multi-pronged approach is necessary to reduce the menace.

i) Supply reduction:

Integrated comprehensive Border Management

Drone surveillance

(legislations - PMLA, NDPS Act and their implementation)

ii) Demand reduction:

Strict enforcement of NDPs Act

Awareness generation on harmful effects

Capital employment opportunities to youth

Himachal scheme – upskilling J&K.

iii) Harm reduction:

de-addiction programs

de-stigmatising the drug addiction

community support

Drug menace has led to several youth being addicted across the border and leading to internal security challenges as well.

A multipronged strategy will help in this regard.

— Aditya Agarwal