Concept and Meaning
- Narco-terrorism refers to drug traffickers using violence to influence governments and societies.
- It involves systematic intimidation to obstruct enforcement of anti-drug laws.
- In essence, it denotes the nexus between drug syndicates and terrorist groups.
- Drug networks finance terrorism and indirectly influence public policy decisions.
Drug-Producing Regions
- Golden Triangle
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- Located at the Thailand–Laos–Myanmar border near Ruak–Mekong confluence.
- Major global opium producer since the 1950s.
- Golden Crescent
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- Covers Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan across Central and Western Asia.
- Afghanistan later emerged as the world’s largest opium producer.
Factors Contributing to the Rise of Narco-terrorism
- Geopolitical and Regional Factors
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- India’s proximity to the Golden Crescent enables easy access to narcotics.
- Borders with Pakistan facilitate cross-border drug trafficking routes.
- Golden Triangle drugs impact India, particularly through northeastern borders.
- Socio-economic and Institutional Factors
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- Poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities push individuals towards drug trade.
- Corruption and weak law enforcement, notably in Punjab, enable trafficking networks.
- High profits and persistent demand make drugs attractive funding sources for terrorists.
- Transnational syndicates collaborate with terrorist outfits to move drugs and money.
- Policy focus on terrorism and insurgency diluted attention on drug inflows.
- Regional Hotspots
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- Northeast India faces drug inflows from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
- Seizures of yaba tablets reveal multiple exit points in Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya.
- Drug proceeds are diverted to insurgent and extremist groups.
Government Measures Against Narcotics Trafficking
- NDPS Act, 1985 provides stringent controls and minimum ten-year punishment.
- Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) acts as the nodal enforcement agency.
- India signed bilateral drug-control agreements with multiple countries.
- India is a signatory to UN and SAARC conventions on narcotic substances.
- Operation Sadbhavana focuses on de-addiction and awareness initiatives.
- Nasha Mukt Campaign adopts a zero-tolerance policy against drug networks.
Way Forward
- Strengthen multilateral cooperation and intelligence sharing.
- Deploy advanced technologies for border surveillance and financial tracking.
- Promote community awareness and rehabilitation programmes.
- Disrupt terror financing through coordinated domestic and international efforts.
