Explain how narcoterrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narcoterrorism.
Explain how narcoterrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narcoterrorism.
Subject: Internal Security
Narcoterrorism has emerged as a critical national security challenge, representing the dangerous convergence of drug trafficking and terrorism financing across India.
Emergence of Narcoterrorism as a Serious Threat
Geographic and Strategic Factors
- Golden Crescent Proximity: India's location between the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan-Pakistan-Iran) and Golden Triangle (Myanmar-Thailand-Laos) makes it a transit route for international drug trafficking
- Porous Borders: Weak border security along India-Pakistan and India-Myanmar frontiers facilitates cross-border drug smuggling operations
- Maritime Routes: Emergence of sea-based drug trafficking through Indian Ocean routes, particularly affecting Gujarat and western coastal areas
Operational Nexus
- Terror Financing: Drug trafficking proceeds increasingly fund terrorist activities, with Pakistani state agencies reportedly facilitating this nexus
- Advanced Methods: Use of drones for cross-border smuggling, sophisticated maritime networks, and dark web operations for drug distribution
- Regional Impact: States like Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Northeast face severe narcoterrorism challenges, with insurgent groups exploiting drug trade
Scale of Problem
- 39% of world's opiate users reside in South Asia, with India as the primary market
- Rising incidents of heroin trafficking from Afghanistan and illicit opium cultivation in northeastern states
Measures to Counter Narcoterrorism
Institutional Strengthening
- National Investigation Agency (NIA) empowered under NDPS Act, 1985 for narcoterrorism investigations
- Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) established in each state for coordinated operations
- Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism for multi-agency coordination
Technological and Operational Measures
- MANAS Helpline (1933): 24x7 toll-free narcotics reporting system
- NIDAAN Portal: National database for NDPS offenders
- Border Security Enhancement: Empowering Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, and Railway Protection Force under NDPS Act
Rehabilitation and Awareness
- Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: National campaign reaching over 14.07 crore people
- Drug Disposal Fortnight: Destroying 1 lakh kg narcotics worth ₹8,600 crores
- Establishment of de-addiction centers and counselling facilities
International Cooperation
- Collaborative efforts with SAARC and BIMSTEC nations
- Controlled delivery operations with foreign countries
- Intelligence sharing mechanisms for transnational drug networks
Combating narcoterrorism requires a multi-pronged approach combining strengthened border security, enhanced inter-agency coordination, technological innovation, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs to achieve a drug-free India by 2047.
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