India lies between the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle
Narco-Terrorism as a Serious Threat in India
Nexus between Terror Groups and Organised Crime to move drugs and launder money.
Destabilisation of Border States– Eg- Rising drug addiction and arms recovery in Punjab.
Use of Advanced Technology– Eg- Drone-based drug and arms drops across the Punjab border.
Threat to Youth and Social Fabric – Eg- as per AIIMS report, 15.4% of Punjab’s population was engaged in some form of substance use (over 3 million people)
.
Maritime security concerns –
Overburdens law enforcement and judicial systems.
Creates parallel illicit economies, undermining governance.
Linkages between Drug Trafficking and Other Illicit Activities
Drug Trafficking-Gunrunning Nexus – Eg- Heroin smuggling via Punjab border linked with arms drops using drones from across the border.
Drug Trafficking-Money Laundering Nexus – Drug proceeds are laundered through hawala networks, shell companies and benami assets.
Drug Trafficking-Terrorism Nexus (Narco-terrorism)– Eg- Heroin trade from Afghanistan funding terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir.
Drug Trafficking-Human Trafficking Nexus- Eg- Rohingya and migrant trafficking routes in Northeast India overlapping with narcotics corridors.
Drug Trafficking-Organised Crime Nexus– Eg- Mafia networks in border states controlling drug distribution and extortion.
Drug Trafficking-Counterfeit Currency Nexus – Fake currency used to settle drug deals and destabilise economy.
Drug Trafficking-Cybercrime Nexus– Eg- Use of encrypted messaging apps and crypto wallets for narcotics trade.
Measures to Counter Narco-Terrorism
Strengthening Border Management – Enhance surveillance, fencing, anti-drone systems and coastal security.
Integrated Intelligence – Seamless coordination among NIA, NCIB, ED, DRI, state police and intelligence agencies.
Targeting Financial Networks – Crackdown on money laundering, hawala and benami assets linked to drug trade.
International Cooperation – Cooperation under FATF framework and bilateral mechanisms.
Legal and Institutional Strengthening – Swift prosecution under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
Technological Solutions – Use of AI, data analytics and drone monitoring to track trafficking routes.
Fast track implementation of National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)
Community Policing – Involve border communities in intelligence gathering.
A multi-pronged strategy under zero tolerance for narcotics is essential to dismantle the narco-terror ecosystem and ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’.