NARCOTICS PROBLEM IN INDIA

16 Jun NARCOTICS PROBLEM IN INDIA

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Narcotics Problem In India”. The topic “Narcotics Problem In India” has relevance in the Governance section of the UPSC CSE exam.

Relevance:

For Prelims:

GS 2: Governance

What are Narcotics?

What is the Golden Crescent?

What is the Golden Triangle?

For Mains:

Challenges presented to India by Narcotics?

Government efforts to deal with the Narcotics Problem?

Why in the news?

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has detected a novel modus operandi of smuggling of narcotics (Cocaine) into India via the courier route, wherein the cocaine was concealed within the thermocol balls, purportedly used to cushion the declared goods.

What are Narcotics?

Narcotics are drugs that have psychoactive properties and are known to produce analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. The term “narcotic” is often used to refer to a specific category of drugs, primarily opioids, but it can have broader or more specific definitions depending on the context. Here are the different interpretations of the term “narcotics”:

Opioids: In a medical and legal context, narcotics specifically refer to opioids, which are a class of drugs derived from or similar to opium. Examples of opioids include morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and heroin. These drugs are potent pain relievers but also carry a high risk of dependence and abuse.

Illicit Drugs: In a broader context, “narcotics” can refer to a range of illicit drugs with psychoactive effects. This includes substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), LSD, and marijuana (in some cases). These drugs may have different mechanisms of action and effects on the central nervous system.

Controlled Substances: The term “narcotics” is often used in the legal framework to categorize drugs with a high potential for abuse and dependence. Governments classify certain drugs as narcotics and regulate their production, distribution, and use through laws and regulations. This classification typically includes opioids and other controlled substances.

What is the Golden Crescent?

The Golden Crescent region, consisting of Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, is one of the world’s largest producers of opium and heroin. Heroin production in this region relies heavily on opium cultivation, with Afghanistan being the primary opium-producing country. Narcotics traffickers exploit the porous borders of Pakistan and Iran to smuggle heroin into India.

What is the Golden Triangle?

The Golden Triangle, encompassing Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, has long been known for its opium production and heroin trafficking. Although the production of opium has decreased in recent years, it remains a significant source of heroin for the global market. Heroin produced in the Golden Triangle often finds its way into India through illicit channels.

Challenges presented to India by Narcotics?

• Geographical Location: India’s geographical proximity to the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle regions makes it vulnerable to drug trafficking activities. The vast and porous borders, coupled with a long coastline, pose significant challenges in intercepting drug shipments and preventing their entry into the country.
• Transnational Criminal Networks: Narcotics trafficking in India is often orchestrated by transnational criminal networks with sophisticated operations and international connections. These networks exploit existing smuggling routes, corrupt officials, and weak law enforcement capacities, making it difficult to dismantle their operations effectively.
• Drug Production in Neighboring Countries: India shares borders with countries known for drug production, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Myanmar. The production of opium, heroin, and other narcotics in these countries has a direct impact on drug availability and trafficking patterns within India.
• Growing Domestic Drug Market: India has seen a rise in drug abuse and addiction within its own population. The demand for narcotics fuels the trafficking networks and contributes to the expansion of the illicit drug market. Addressing domestic drug abuse requires comprehensive strategies that encompass prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs.
• Money Laundering and Financing: Narcotics trafficking generates substantial profits, and the laundering of illicit proceeds poses a significant challenge for India. Money laundering activities associated with drug trafficking complicate the efforts to trace and seize the illicit funds, hindering the disruption of trafficking networks.
• Corruption and Insider Complicity: Corruption among law enforcement officials, border guards, and other public servants undermines efforts to combat narcotics trafficking. Insider complicity allows drug traffickers to operate with relative impunity, bypassing security measures and facilitating the movement of drugs across borders.
• Technological Advancements: Drug traffickers exploit advancements in technology for their illicit activities. They use encrypted communication channels, dark web platforms, and other sophisticated techniques to coordinate drug transactions, making it harder for law enforcement agencies to track and intercept their operations.
• Limited Resources and Capacities: Indian law enforcement agencies responsible for combating narcotics trafficking often face resource constraints and capacity issues. Insufficient manpower, outdated equipment, and limited training can hamper their effectiveness in dealing with the complex and evolving drug trade.

 

Government efforts to deal with the Narcotics Problem?

• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): The NCB is the primary agency responsible for coordinating and implementing anti-narcotics efforts in India. It conducts intelligence operations, carries out raids and seizures, and coordinates with international agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks.

• Strengthening Legal Framework: The government has enacted and amended laws to strengthen the legal framework for tackling narcotics trafficking. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, provides the legal basis for controlling drug trafficking and abuse. Amendments have been made to enhance penalties for offenders and streamline legal procedures.

• International Cooperation: India actively cooperates with international organizations and neighboring countries to combat narcotics trafficking.

• Border Management: The government has prioritized improving border management to curb narcotics trafficking. This includes enhancing surveillance technologies, deploying specialized units, and establishing joint border control mechanisms with neighboring countries to prevent the entry of drugs into India.

• Intelligence and Interagency Coordination: Intelligence sharing and interagency coordination play a crucial role in combating narcotics trafficking. The government has focused on strengthening coordination between various law enforcement agencies

• Demand Reduction Programs: The government recognizes the importance of addressing the demand side of drug abuse. It has implemented awareness campaigns, preventive education programs, and rehabilitation and treatment services to reduce drug demand and support individuals struggling with addiction.

• Public-Private Partnerships: The government has encouraged partnerships with the private sector, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders to enhance efforts against narcotics trafficking. Collaborations involve initiatives such as awareness campaigns, capacity-building programs, and support for rehabilitation and reintegration of drug users.

• Technology and Digital Initiatives: The government has leveraged technology to strengthen anti-narcotics efforts. This includes the use of advanced surveillance systems, data analytics, and digital platforms for tracking drug trafficking patterns, identifying suspects, and disrupting illicit networks.

• International Conventions and Treaties: India is a party to various international conventions and treaties related to narcotics control, such as the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. The government actively participates in international forums to strengthen cooperation and compliance with international obligations.

Source:https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1932729

Q.1 Which of the following regions is known as the “Golden Crescent” in relation to narcotics production and trafficking?

(a) South America, comprising Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia

(b) West Africa, including countries such as Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau

(c) South Asia, comprising Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan

(d) Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand

Answer: (c) 

Q.2 Which of the following statements about the Golden Triangle is correct?

(a) The Golden Triangle refers to the region in South Asia comprising Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, known for its significant opium production.

(b) The Golden Triangle is an area in Southeast Asia consisting of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, historically recognized as a major source of illicit drugs.

(c) The Golden Triangle is a term used to describe the golden hue of sunsets in the Thar Desert region of India.

(d) The Golden Triangle is a global initiative aimed at promoting trade and economic cooperation among India, China, and Myanmar.

Answer: (b)

Q.3 “Discuss the challenges posed by the narcotic in India and evaluate the government’s strategies to address drug trafficking, drug abuse, and related social issues. Suggest policy measures to enhance the effectiveness of the government’s efforts in curbing the narcotics menace and its impact on society.”