Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism

Introduction- Define Narco terrorism and explain the threats of narco terrorism in various dimensions.

Narco-terrorism refers to the convergence of drug trafficking and terrorism, where drug trade profits are used to fund terrorist activities.

Body

This phenomenon has emerged as a serious threat across the country for several reasons:

• Financing terrorism:Drugs fund terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Northeast, and Maoist-affected areas.
  • Example- Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen have reportedly used narcotic trade proceeds to finance their activities, particularly in border areas like Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast.
• Cross-border Smuggling: India’s proximity to the “Golden Crescent” (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran) and “Golden Triangle” (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) makes it a transit point for illicit drug trade..
• Insurgency Links: In regions like Punjab and the Northeast, insurgent groups use the drug trade to finance their operations.
• Economic instability: Illicit drug trade destabilises local economies.
• Compromised governance: Corruption and nexus between traffickers and officials.
• Social harm: Drug addiction corrupts youth, undermining national morale
  • Example- Some districts in Punjab have become cancer capital due to drug addiction.
• Global Networks: Indian drug syndicates are increasingly linked with global organised crime, making it harder to combat. 
  • Example- The Dawood Ibrahim-Khalsa Mujahideen Nexus.

Measures required to Counter Narco-Terrorism

• Strengthening Border Control:
  • Deploy advanced surveillance and technology like drones and sensors at vulnerable border points.
  • Enhance coordination between Border Security Forces (BSF), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and local police to combat drug smuggling across international borders.
• Tightening Legal Frameworks:
  • Amend existing laws like the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to make penalties for drug trafficking and narco-terrorism more stringent.
  • Implement fast-track courts for quick adjudication of drug-related crimes.
• Improving Intelligence Coordination:
  • Establish better intelligence-sharing mechanisms between agencies like the NIA, RAW, and state police forces to disrupt narco-terrorism networks.
  • Create specialised task forces to track narco-financing of terrorist organisations.
• International Cooperation:
  • Strengthen cooperation with countries like Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Pakistan under international frameworks like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to curb cross-border trafficking.
  • Engage in intelligence-sharing with global agencies like Interpol and regional forums like the SAARC to dismantle international drug syndicates.
• Addressing Drug Demand:
  • Launch nationwide de-addiction and rehabilitation programs to reduce drug consumption, particularly among youth.
  • Raise public awareness through media campaigns about the dangers of drug addiction and its links to terrorism.
• Strengthening Financial Oversight:
  • Track and freeze financial flows related to drug trafficking through strong enforcement of anti-money laundering laws.
  • Ensure that the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) monitors suspicious transactions that could be linked to narco-terrorism.
• Rehabilitation and Social Programs:
  • Invest in rehabilitation programs for drug addicts to reduce the demand side of the drug trade.
  • Implement job-creation and education initiatives in drug-affected areas to prevent vulnerable populations from being drawn into trafficking.

Measures taken by India 

•  National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigations
•  Enforcement Directorate (ED) actions against D-Company’s financial networks
•  International cooperation with agencies like DEA (USA) and Interpol
• The Ministry for Home Affairs launched a toll-free helpline called MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra).
• Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act (1985).
• The Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (1988).
• Anti-Narcotics Task Force in each state/UT.

Conclusion

Narco-terrorism poses a dual threat of fueling terrorism while destabilising societies with the rise in drug addiction and crime. A comprehensive approach combining stringent law enforcement, international cooperation, demand-side management, and community-based solutions is essential to effectively counter the growing menace of narco-terrorism in India

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