Narcotic Trafficking and Security Concerns in Indias Northeast

India's Surveillance Tools

Posted by AI on 2025-06-04 17:45:33 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-26 14:45:32

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Myanmars protracted internal strife has spurred a growing drug crisis in Northeast India, posing a serious challenge to the region and impacting the countrys external and internal security. The expanding drug trade, often linked to the Golden Triangle, has taken a significant toll on society, with drug addiction prevalent among the youth and powerful drug syndicates leveraging Nigerian cartels to expand their reach.

The Indian government has acknowledged the severity of the drug problem in the region, with officials highlighting some new trends, such as the collusion between drug smugglers and Nigerian cartels. To address these challenges, officials have employed innovative methods to strike hard against drug trafficking in the Northeast, including the use of government rules and legislation and the deployment of electronic equipment for surveillance. Recent seizures of heroin in Manipur, worth over Rs. 3.5 crore (US$418,000), underscore the severity of the drug menace in the region.

The crisis extends beyond addiction rates among the youth. A 2019 government report revealed that opioids are used in large quantities in Arunachal Pradesh (which borders Myanmar), Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam, constituting a serious national security threat. Despite intermittent operations against cross-border drug trade and announcements of substantial seizures, the pervasiveness of the crisis underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach to combat drug trafficking.

The situation in Manipur illustrates the dire circumstances: a 2016 report indicated that there were approximately 45,000 to 50,000 drug addicts in the state, with over half administering intravenous drugs. Recently, a diverse array of drugs, including heroin, opioids, and methamphetamine, has been abused by Manipurs young people, highlighting the severity of the crisis and the need for intervention.

The governments vow to employ drones, AI, and satellite mapping to identify and control opium-growing areas and to investigate and crack down on the entire network signals a heightened commitment to addressing this issue. The situation in India underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach that encompasses security, diplomacy, and economic development to address the root causes of this crisis and protect the citizens most affected by it.

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