Explain how the geographical location of India makes it extremely vulnerable to the menace of drug trafficking. What are the various internal security threats posed by drug trafficking?

Drug trafficking is a menace that not only causes law and order problem but also endangers many lives by means of addiction.

Geographic location - vulnerability

(I) India is a sandwiched between golden triangle and golden crescent

(II) Manipur becoming extended golden triangle

a) Cultivation of drugs

b) March in Manipur is acting as smuggling caravan

(III) Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab are becoming hubs of trafficking

because of illegal export and use of technology like UAVs for transporting drugs

(IV) Coastal vulnerability - India's west coast had become more vulnerable to drug smuggling

Internal security threats

(I) Conducive channel for organised crime groups as drugs act as medium of exchange for arms and ammunition

(II) Funding and money laundering - drug trafficking is a source of money laundering for terrorist(s)

(III) Illegal activities like stone pelting all being funded by drugs revenue

(IV) Law and order issues due to persons wearing rukes on roads and other public places

(V) Increase in crime rates with increase in drug consumption

Government measures

NDPS act

NCB - Narcotics Crime Bureau

Nosha Mukt Bharat plan

ESIMS - Secure Information management system

Operation Samudegupta - to raise hype transporting drugs

Comprehensive and coordinated action among government, civil society and youth is required to remove drug menace.