QUES . Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism. 150 words. 10 marks. UPSC MAINS 2024 GS PAPER 3
HINTS:
What is Narco-terrorism?
Narco-terrorism is a symbiotic relationship between drug traffickers and terrorist organizations. As the term itself suggests, narco-terrorism combines two criminal activities; drug trafficking and terrorist violence.
Must read: Narco-terrorism : Relationship Between Terrorism and Drug Trafficking
Narcoterrorism is the involvement of terrorist organizations and insurgent groups in drug trafficking as a means of funding their activities (terrorism). On the other hand, it is an attempt by narcotics traffickers to influence the policies of the Government by systematic threat or use of violence.
Emergence of narco-terrorism as a serious threat across the country
India’s location:
Surrounded by Death (Golden) Triangle that is Thailand, Myanmar and Laos in the east and Death (Golden) Crescent that is Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan in the west.
Proximity to the Death (Golden) Triangle makes India vulnerable to the trafficking of narcotics and drugs manufactured there and to the reverse flow of precursor chemicals to these regions, especially Myanmar. The proceeds from sale of narcotics and drugs are then used to fund insurgencies and other illegal activities.
A similar situation is there on the western border, where Afghanistan and Pakistan have become the epicentre of the drug trade. India has become not only a centre for transit but also a significant consumption centre of drugs over the years.
Funding for Terrorism:
It has been observed that those who promote terrorism in India from across the border are using the proceeds of drug sales to finance terror activities.
There are very high possibilities that recent ethnic clashes that erupted in Manipur are instigated and supported by Narco-Terrorism.
Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed of Pakistan have reportedly used drug smuggling networks to finance terror activities.
Destabilization of Law and Order in Border Areas:
Narco-Terrorism has significantly destabilized law and order in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab’s border districts and North-east India leading to a breakdown of normalcy in many parts of the region. Persistent threats have forced authorities to implement stringent security measures, including curfews, checkpoints, and restrictions on movement, impacting the daily lives of residents and hindering economic activities.
Overlap with other criminal activities:
Drug trafficking and Narco-terrorism often overlaps and promotes other criminal activities and networks like human trafficking and the smuggling of counterfeit currency.
Provides funding for insurgency:
A case study of Northeast India
In the Northeast, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram share a 1,624-km porous border with Myanmar. These states have served as transit routes for illegal drugs originating in the Golden Triangle. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, after Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia cracked down on drug trafficking, Moreh in Manipur and Champhai in Mizoram emerged as the new preferred routes for smugglers. At their peak, a number of insurgent groups like the Isaac and Khaplang factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, the United Liberation Front of Asom, and the Kuki militias funded their activities by either smuggling drugs themselves or by taking a share from the profits of other smugglers.
Public Health Emergency:
The easy availability of drugs has caused a public health crisis, especially among the youth.
AIIMS, Delhi survey, 2019
AIIMS, Delhi had conducted a detailed survey in 2019 concerning drug abuse in the country. The study’s results revealed the extent of the problem in India, where 31 million users of Cannabis, 23 million users of opioids and 11.9 million users of pharmaceutical sedatives are addicts. 2.06% of the population is affected, the average of which is far greater than in Asia and the world.
Cryptocurrencies and Darknet:
Emergence of Cryptocurrencies and Darknet drug markets has helped illicit drug trade.
Internet and social media:
Internet and social media has also helped connecting sellers and buyers at local level.
Corruption:
The high income generated from drug trafficking leads to corruption within law enforcement agencies.
According to data from the MHA, in Punjab, between 2014 and 2018, 68 personnel from the state police, jail and home guards departments, the BSF, the Railway Protection Force, and Chandigarh Police were arrested for engaging in drug smuggling.
Low Operational-level inter-agency coordination:
Operational-level inter-agency coordination remains ad-hoc and arbitrary despite the MHA’s push for institutionalisation. Some representatives of state law-enforcement agencies have also noted that the excessive powers of central agencies hinder effective centre-state coordination.
Lack of effective border protection:
Despite increasing surveillance, effective border protection—both on land and along coasts—is a persisting challenge.
Thus, checking organised drug-smuggling syndicates and cracking down on terrorist financing is a complex task for law enforcement and intelligence agencies. This challenge is further complicated by issues of corruption, lack of capacity, and poor inter-agency coordination.
Measures to counter narco-terrorism
Changing tactics of terrorist organisations and drug traffickers have exacerbated the challenge of narcoterrorism. While India has taken steps to respond, including strengthening border security, empowering law enforcement agencies, and deepening international cooperation, the evolving nature of the drug trade necessitates continuous vigilance and more targeted strategies.
Creating a standalone legislation for dealing with narcoterrorism:
One measure being suggested by law enforcement officials and legal practitioners is strengthening the legal mechanisms; this would include creating a standalone legislation for dealing with narcoterrorism.
This proposed legislation should empower the investigation agencies, fast-track prosecution (by specialist legal teams), and prescribe punishment equivalent to that meted out for terrorist acts. The legislation should also discard the distinction between the intermediate and commercial quantity that works to the advantage of narco-traffickers.
Identifying vulnerabilities and loopholes:
Focus on identifying vulnerabilities and loopholes that terrorist organisations and drug trafficking syndicates exploit.
NDPS Act should be added to the list of scheduled offences of NIA:
Another aspect to consider is the NIA investigations. The agency currently investigates eight acts under scheduled offences, such as the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Anti-Hijacking Act of 1982. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act should be added to this list of scheduled offences of the NIA to ensure that the agency can investigate narcoterrorism-related cases.
Expanding forensic capabilities:
Forensics is another area that plays a critical role in drug enforcement investigations and prosecution. Forensic evidence helps build a more robust legal case. While the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has undertaken efforts to expand its forensic capabilities, given the rapid shift towards synthetic drugs, more capacity building is needed in drug-identification techniques, laboratory facilities, and training.
Tracking of suspicious transactions:
Another area that requires capacity building is the tracking of suspicious transactions to disrupt the money-laundering operations of terrorist groups. In tackling terrorist financing activities, agencies need to explore the role of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain.
International cooperation through intelligence sharing and joint operations:
International cooperation through intelligence sharing and joint operations is also vital to disrupt the narcotics supply chain. Through the Interpol, India has already proposed creating a system of real-time information dissemination.
As transnational criminality is a shared responsibility, the focus needs to expand to joint operations by coordinating with the drug and law enforcement agencies of neighbouring countries to interdict transnational narcotic deliveries.
Rapid response at border points and increased border surveillance:
Rapid response at border points and improving technology-driven surveillance systems along porous borders is often crucial in disrupting supply.
Pursue the matter at the diplomatic level:
With Pakistani state agencies being found to be directly involved in narcoterrorism, India must pursue this matter at the diplomatic level. New Delhi should provide adequate documentation to the FATF and other global platforms, such as the United Nations; the aim would be to put pressure on Islamabad.
Disruption of the financial networks of drug cartels:
Terrorist organisations rely on drug-trafficking networks for funding, making it vital to disrupt their financial networks. Thus, implementation of strong financial tracking systems to monitor illegal monetary flows linked to drug trafficking and terrorism is necessary.
Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts:
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) whose prime objective is to focus on preventive education, awareness generation, identification, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with substance dependence
Conclusion:
To effectively combat narcoterrorism, New Delhi must implement a comprehensive risk-mitigation approach with new legislation and more power to central investigating agencies. This approach demands stricter border controls, the disruption of the financial networks of drug cartels, and joint transnational operations. Fostering closer regional and international cooperation is imperative to stem the flow of drugs and terrorist activities to safeguard India’s national security and secure a better and healthier future for its citizens.
