Q9. Explain how narcoterrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narcoterrorism.

Approach

‍

Introduction

Narcoterrorism refers to the collaboration between drug trafficking and terrorist activities, where drug profits finance terrorism. In India, its proximity to drug producing regions like the Golden Crescent has made it a significant threat to national security.

Body

Factors Contributing to the Emergence of Narco-Terrorism

• Geopolitical Instability India’s proximity to drug producing regions like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Myanmar enables easy trafficking into the country.
• Terrorist Financing Terrorist organizations such as Lashkar Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen use drug money to finance insurgencies in states like Jammu & Kashmir.
• Increased Drug Seizures States like Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir have witnessed an increase in narcotic seizures. In 2021, over 3,000 kg of heroin was seized in Gujarat (Narcotics Control Bureau).
• Impact on Youth and Society In states like Punjab, over 1.2 million people suffer from drug addiction (AIIMS study), contributing to crime and social decay.
• Corruption and Weak Governance The penetration of drug money into local economies promotes corruption within law enforcement and weakens governance structures.

Measures to Counter NarcoTerrorism

• Strengthening Border Control Upgrading surveillance with AI, drones, and radar technology to monitor smuggling routes along India’s borders.
• Intelligence Sharing and Coordination Strengthening cooperation with international agencies like INTERPOL and SAARC for crossborder intelligence and joint operations.
• Cutting Financial Networks Strict enforcement of anti money laundering regulations and freezing of assets under PMLA to disrupt drug related financial flows.
• Public Awareness and Rehabilitation Campaigns like Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to educate the public and rehabilitate drug users, reducing local demand.
• Alternative Livelihood Programs Promoting alternative livelihoods for opium farmers in border areas through government schemes like National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, Narcoterrorism severely threatens India's security, economy, and society. A comprehensive approach combining law enforcement, international cooperation, and socioeconomic measures is crucial to tackling this issue.

‍

Instant Mains Evaluation with SuperKalam

✅ Now that you have gone through the model answer, try practicing and writing it in your own words and evaluate it instantly with SuperKalam here - Evaluate Mains Answer instantly

‍

✅ Download Model Answer PDF for complete UPSC Mains 2024 GS3 Paper with analysis here - Download GS3 Model Answers