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Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has been a theatre of influence since ancient civilisations and holds that stature contemporarily as well. This vast ocean stretches from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of Australia, with around 38 countries in the surrounding area and a 2.9 billion population.
Illustration by The Geostrata
It bridges the East-West maritime connectivity and hence is strategic. Over the years, the rate of marine crimes in this region has amplified; these crimes consist of narco-terrorism, illicit trafficking of weapons, human trafficking, piracy, etc.
These non-traditional security threats hinder trade, economy, connectivity, regional stability, and the overall security of the region. Positioned between the Golden Crescent (Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan) and the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand), IOR is utilised as a strategic waterway that facilitates the narcotics supply chain.
Trade of illicit drugs consequently leads to procurement of finance for related organised crimes like smuggling of arms, human trafficking, counterfeiting of currency, and terrorism. This article elaborates on the significance of the Indian Ocean Region in its utilisation for the supply of narcotics and its implications for India’s security. It also suggests ways to resolve this issue.
MAJOR NARCOTICS SUPPLY CHAINS IN THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION
Previously, the supply of drugs was facilitated from Afghanistan to European markets via Iran, Turkey, and various Balkan states, known as the Balkan route, which is a land route. Several synthetic drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, along with several illicit substances, were smuggled through this passage. Due to complexities in operation via this route, the focus shifted to the Southern route.
This passage opens access to diverse locations in Africa, Asia, Western Europe, Oceania, etc. This route is principally a maritime corridor as drugs are trafficked from Afghanistan via the Makran coast of Iran and Pakistan to Yemen and the East African coast.
These are transported through small boats known as dhows. This passage is the westernmost flank of IOR, close to the opium hub of the Golden Crescent.
Likewise, the easternmost flank of IOR is under the influence of the Golden Triangle zone. Psychotropic substances like methamphetamine, yaba tablets, and cannabis are the primary goods that are smuggled through the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Drug trafficking from the Afghanistan-Pakistan region found an alternative route through the sea as the vigilance on the land border increased.
These drugs are smuggled through small boats from the swampy marshland of Rann of Kutch in India.
Further, a significant number of drugs, especially heroin, is smuggled through the southern border at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu and the rest is carried forward to Sri Lanka and Maldives, which later divide to diverse destinations in Asia, Africa, Europe, Americas, etc. Moreover, indigenously produced brown sugar is transhipped from Tamil Nadu to various global destinations.
Additionally, on the eastern side, methamphetamine manufactured in Myanmar is smuggled into India and Bangladesh through maritime sea routes (Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea) as well as inland waterways. The Southern Route combines maritime routes developed as a drug-trafficking route.
This route is divided into three ways; the first route reaches Yemen and is called the Hash Highway; the second route reaches east Africa and is termed Smack Track; and the third route reaches India at ports in Gujarat, Mumbai, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
MODUS OPERANDI OF THE TRAFFICKERS
India is sandwiched between the largest opium-producing as well as trafficking areas in the globe – the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle to its left and right, respectively. It is a prime location in terms of destination and transit point. The Indian Ocean Region has become a significant hotspot for drug trafficking over the past decades, posing a threat to regional security, economic stability, and public health.
The volume of drug trafficking via this route has aggravated due to four prime factors. Primarily, it's due to the ocean’s vastness that remains unmonitored, providing opportunities to smuggle drugs and remain undetected.
Secondly, large quantities can be smuggled through small boats or dhows instead of small amounts through air cargo, etc.
Thirdly, the smugglers implement sophisticated techniques to tranship goods in the mid-sea, making them undetectable. Lastly and most crucially, the law enforcement maritime zone is ambiguous and feeble, paving an escape way for the traffickers.
WHAT DOES THE DATA SAY ABOUT THIS ILLICIT TRADE?
According to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)’s annual report of 2023, Opium seized almost doubled to 8,533 kg in 2023 from the previous 4,307 kilograms in 2018. Moreover, Heroin seized in 2018 was around 1,258 kg, which surged to 2,986 kilograms in 2023.
Furthermore, 431 kg of Amphetamine type stimulants (ATS) were seized in 2018, which increased to a daunting figure of 3,406 kilograms in 2023. Comparing the data of six years (from 2018-2023), it is evident that there is an upward trend in seizures by drug law enforcement agencies.
Almost 70% of drugs that are smuggled into India come from the maritime routes. A total of 2,826 kg of drugs were seized at seaports, and 99% of seizures were of crystal meth.
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The most prominent coastal ports with large drug busts are Kutch, Porbandar, Jakhau, and Mundra in Gujarat, JNPT and Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, Eranakulam, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, Thoothukudi, and Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Kolkata port in West Bengal, and Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
WAY FORWARD
Narcotics Control Bureau is the nodal agency to prevent and combat drug trafficking in India. Several agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Coast Guard, Customs, Police, etc coordinate with NCB.
To combat the problem of illicit trafficking of drugs and other substances in the Indian Ocean Region, India requires a multi-faceted approach.
Primarily, with advancements in technology, surveillance through drones, satellite imagery, and automated detection systems can enhance the functioning of the agencies to provide proper performance in monitoring the vast ocean.
Secondly, it will be further impactful if regional task forces are established amongst the affected nations. Collaboratively, they can exchange real-time data, and intelligence, and conduct joint operations.
Moreover, maritime patrolling in high-risk routes can improve effectiveness and increase the chances of successful seizure operations. Thirdly, ports need technologically advanced systems for cargo screening and risk assessments to strengthen overall port security.
Fourthly, the legal frameworks should be strengthened to match international standards and best practices. Lastly, the public should be encouraged to report malicious activities related to drug trafficking if they witness the same. Moreover, youth should be motivated towards inculcating healthy practices instead of going under the influence of illicit substances.
For India, drug trafficking and related menace is a severe cause of concern. These activities should be regulated with stringent enforcement of laws, regional cooperation, strengthening of systems through technology, etc.
The issue goes beyond drugs-related menace as it facilitates several grave problems like narco-terrorism, organised crimes, money laundering, etc. Over the last few decades, maritime routes through IOR have been exploited to execute these nefarious activities. India has adopted a Zero Tolerance Policy against Narcotics and aims to make ‘Drug-Free India’ by 1947 in this Amrit Kaal period. N-CORD is an endeavour by the government to coordinate between central and state drug law enforcement agencies for better cohesion and synergy.
As the IOR is a significant theatre of influence, India and its regional partners should aim to make it more secure and prosperous. This will boost regional cooperation and maintain safe and trustworthy relations amongst partners like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Thailand, Singapore, and other nations in IOR. A united and consistent endeavour is crucial towards a safer and drug-free future in the region.
BY ARYA GHADIGAONKAR
TEAM GEOSTRATA
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