The Union Home Minister recently addressed the “Drugs Smuggling and National Security” conference and advocated for harsher punishments and stricter measures to combat the drug trade. He emphasised the need for strong deterrence by proposing the confiscation of assets belonging to individuals involved in the drug trade as well as their public shaming or boycotting. Such actions would send a strong message and discourage others from entering the drug trade. The exponential increase in drug addiction is indeed a matter of concern. The rise in registered cases and the large quantities of confiscated drugs indicate that the menace of drug addiction has significantly impacted the youth. It is alarming that not only states and UTs bordering countries like Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar, or those along the coastline, but even landlocked states and UTs in Central India have been severely affected by drug addiction.
The ease of international and intra-state smuggling is a perplexing issue. It suggests that various agencies responsible for border control, such as the Coast Guard, BSF, and local police, have been unable to curb smuggling to a significant extent. This highlights the need for improved coordination, intelligence sharing and enforcement measures among these agencies to address this critical issue. To tackle the drug menace comprehensively, it is essential to strengthen law enforcement efforts, enhance border security and implement stringent measures to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs. Additionally, focusing on preventive measures such as increasing awareness campaigns, providing education and rehabilitation programmes, and promoting community engagement can help reduce drug addiction and support individuals on the path to recovery. Several measures have been taken, such as the establishment of a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force under the guidance of the Director General of Police. Steps are being taken to control the misuse of chemicals with dual applications and a National Narcotics Call Centre called MANAS is operational. Furthermore, narcotics training modules and the formation of a Narco-Canine Pool strengthen the fight against drugs.
The menace of drug addiction has spread throughout Jammu and Kashmir as well. Since 2002, cross-border trade has acted as a catalyst for the illegal and highly profitable drug trade, which is wreaking havoc on society. With an extensive border with Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir has become a primary gateway for narcotics smuggling. The Golden Crescent region, comprising Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, serves as the main source of drug trafficking into India, utilising all available routes: land, air and sea. Recent large-scale drug seizures at various ports in the country necessitate a serious review of strategies to counter this epidemic of narcotics terrorism. Despite successfully mitigating terrorism after enduring over four decades of onslaught, Jammu and Kashmir now grapples with the scourge of drug abuse. Additionally, the use of drones, tourists and students for smuggling narcotics across the entire IB, LoC, and UTs has become a worrying factor.
Now that terrorism is largely under control, it is crucial to shift our focus towards other pressing issues, particularly drug smuggling. The CID needs to be strengthened, and officers with impeccable records should be appointed to strategic police stations, specifically targeting smuggling activities. While it is easy to point fingers, the rampant spread of drug abuse in our society indicates that there are serious flaws in our strategy to combat this deadly game. Although we have stringent laws in place and many individuals have been detained under the PSA, a poor conviction record provides ample encouragement and motivation to the culprits. While other agencies like the CBI and the National Investigation Agency have exerted significant pressure to curb terror funding, it is now imperative to seal all loopholes and counter this threat effectively. Time is running out, and innovative and unconventional approaches must be employed before it’s too late.
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