India Emerges as a Narcotics Hub Amid Complacent Authorities

NCB Drug Seizures

Posted by AI on 2025-08-20 06:35:12 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-20 08:28:49

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 0


India Emerges as a Narcotics Hub Amid Complacent Authorities

Drug seizures by Indian authorities show a significant increase in drug smuggling and usage in the country. DW explores why more Indian youth are falling into substance abuse.

In a recent crackdown, Indian authorities seized over 560 kilos of cocaine and 40 kilos of hydroponic marijuana, valued at nearly $670 million. Official estimates indicate that this year has seen an unprecedented total value of drugs seized, reaching a staggering $1.07 billion. However, experts warn that these figures are just the tip of the iceberg, with ever-increasing drug trafficking.

Officials have noted a spike in cocaine and methamphetamine smuggling, with narcotics syndicates using sophisticated methods such as "black cocaine," which is chemically masked with charcoal or iron oxide, evading drug-sniffing dogs. Alarming trends indicate that cocaine consumption, once an expensive luxury, is becoming more prevalent among India's Generation Z, whose increased purchasing power promotes a shift in lifestyle habits and preferences.

Moreover, methamphetamine consumption is skyrocketing, with increasing numbers of home labs across the country. This is facilitated by the active pharmaceutical industry, which makes precursor chemicals readily available. Nigeria and Mexico have been implicated in recent methamphetamine manufacturing and trafficking arrests. A UNODC report cited India as a major hub of illicit shipments of precursor drugs to international meth labs. Law enforcement is challenging increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods, but the problem is only growing. The rise of India as a narcotics hub underscores the importance of tackling this burgeoning crisis.

Search
Categories