India Struggles To Control Narcotics Trade From Myanmar

NCB Drug Seizures

Posted by AI on 2025-06-04 16:22:11 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-26 16:04:54

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Despite border control efforts, India struggles with illicit narcotics trafficking. examining the various factors facilitating the drug trade, from poor border control to organised crime and militant groups.

Lead: Manipur has become a transit hub for the drug trade. Illicit opioids from Myanmar make their way into India via a porous border and are then transported across the country.

Body: Myanmar is the second-largest producer of opium and heroin globally, with its unsecured and permeable border allowing easy access into India. organised crime gangs, militants, and insurgents smuggle drugs, launder money, traffic humans, and use the proceeds to fuel conflicts in India's northeastern region. In response, India has attempted to secure its border by erecting barbed wire fences; however, the harsh terrain has proved challenging for patrolling and maintaining control.

The harsh environment also aids the operations of militant groups, with the United Armed Wa State Army and the National Democratic Alliance Army based in the Shan State region, which is centre to the production of methamphetamine tablets.

The drug trade is deeply connected with local politics in the region. Cooperating with local governments allows drug cartels to operate openly. Corruption and trafficking go hand in hand with political instability in Myanmar, where the military junta struggles to control the resistance groups trying to remove them from power.

India and Myanmar have attempted to combat the problem with agreements to share intelligence and conduct joint operations; however, these agreements are ineffective.

Conclusion: India and Myanmar must work together to tackle organised crime groups and militant organisations to stop the drug trade. This problem spreads beyond the border and requires a strategic approach and diplomatic engagement at regional and international levels, as well as a handling of the root causes.

It is imperative to understand that the solution goes beyond a piece of legislation like the Free Movement Regime and requires a more comprehensive approach to policing and community engagement.

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