अंतर्राष्ट्रीय नारकोटिक्स नियंत्रण बोर्ड (INCB) रिपोर्ट 2023 दक्षिण एशिया में मादक पदार्थों की तस्करी के बढ़ते खतरे को प्रदर्शित करती है, जिसका कि भारत एक प्रमुख केंद्र है। भारत के संदर्भ में इस चुनौती के विभिन्न आयामों का विश्लेषण कीजिए। साथ ही, इससे निपटने के लिए बहु-आयामी दृष्टिकोण/उपागमों (Soft approaches) भी सुझाइए। The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2023 highlights a growing menace of drug trafficking in South Asia, with India being a major hub. Analyze the various dimensions of this challenge with respect to India. Also suggest a multi-pronged approach to address it.

The recent seizure of over 12,000 tonnes of drugs by NCB and Indian Navy joint operation showcases the menace of drug smuggling in South Asia.

[Diagram: Map of South Asia showing Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand with Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal marked, showing drug trafficking routes into India]

Causes of Menace of drug trafficking

i) Position of India between Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle.

ii) Existence of organisation such as Jamaat-i-Islami operating drug

smuggling issue

iii) Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and coup in Myanmar increase the menace

iv) Geo-economic crises in Pakistan.

v) Pakistan supplying drugs through - drone technology - dropping cross border

Eg. Pakistan strategy to destabilise India through drug addiction.

Challenges of drug trafficking:

(i) Narco-terrorism

[Diagram: Flowchart - Drug trafficking through organised crime networks (OC) -> Generation of funds -> Terrorist funding -> Protection to OC networks (cyclic)]

ii) Addiction among youth - declining the opportunity from demographic dividend.

iii) Illegal money generation -> Money laundering networks (black money). Placement -> Layering -> Integration.

iv) Rise in cross border infiltration - affecting security of the country.

Therefore, a multipronged approach is necessary to reduce the menace:-

i) Supply reduction:

-> Integrated comprehensive Border Management

-> Drone surveillance

-> Legislations - PMLA, NDPS Act and their implementation

ii) Demand reduction

Eg. Himayat scheme - upskilling J&K.

iii) Harm reduction

Drug menace has led to several youth being addicted across the border and leading to internal security challenges as well. A multipronged strategy will help in this regard.