State-wise Seizure of Drugs on India-Bangladesh and India-Pakistan Borders
“State-wise
Seizure of Drugs on India-Bangladesh and India-Pakistan Borders”
By:
KHRITISH SWARGIARY
Email:
khritish@teachers.org
In
this comprehensive article, we're going to look at the information provided by
the Ministry of Home Affairs about drugs that have been stopped from crossing
the borders between India and Bangladesh, and India and Pakistan, from 2020 to
2023. Our goal is to see if there are any patterns in the data, point out any
worrying trends, and suggest possible solutions to this important problem.
Source - RAJYA SABHA SESSION - 260 UNSTARRED
QUESTION No 2312.
ANSWERED ON, 9TH AUGUST 2023. Data from (as on
01-01-2020 to 20-06-2023). Data in Kgs.
Sl. No. |
Border |
State |
Items |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
1 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
Assam |
Brown Sugar |
0.087 |
0.017 |
0.002 |
0.13 |
2 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
Assam |
Charas (cannabis) |
0 |
0 |
362.87 |
0 |
3 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
Assam |
Ganja |
37.55 |
423 |
1517.327 |
181.395 |
4 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
Assam |
Heroin |
0.002 |
0.629 |
10.093 |
0.117 |
5 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
Meghalaya |
Ganja |
179.75 |
29.9 |
31.182 |
7.9 |
6 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
Meghalaya |
Hemp |
11.8 |
5.5 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
Meghalaya |
Heroin |
0.01 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
Meghalaya |
Poppy |
0 |
25 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
Mizoram |
Ganja |
0 |
0 |
0 |
54 |
10 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
Mizoram |
Heroin |
0 |
1.783 |
0.335 |
0.104 |
11 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
Tripura |
Brown Sugar |
0 |
24.282 |
1.154 |
0.769 |
12 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
Tripura |
Ganja |
5331.25 |
13176.24 |
18636.88 |
11332.81 |
13 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
Tripura |
Hemp |
0 |
16 |
10 |
0 |
14 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
Tripura |
Heroin |
0.001 |
0.027 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
West Bengal |
Brown Sugar |
1.854 |
0.257 |
3.528 |
0.635 |
16 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
West Bengal |
Charas (cannabis) |
13.2 |
30.5 |
0 |
0 |
17 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
West Bengal |
Cocaine |
0 |
0.003 |
0 |
0 |
18 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
West Bengal |
Ganja |
6082.131 |
5705.995 |
9096.109 |
3665.543 |
19 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
West Bengal |
Hemp |
102.15 |
15.15 |
32 |
4.5 |
20 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
West Bengal |
Heroin |
2.609 |
8.505 |
1.255 |
0.559 |
21 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
West Bengal |
Opium |
6.29 |
7.217 |
4.545 |
2.6 |
22 |
India-Bangladesh Border |
West Bengal |
Poppy |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0.65 |
23 |
India-Pakistan Border |
Gujurat |
Charas (cannabis) |
69 |
31 |
65.025 |
36.95 |
24 |
India-Pakistan Border |
Gujurat |
Heroin |
0 |
1.1 |
49 |
6.05 |
25 |
India-Pakistan Border |
Jammu and Kashmir |
Heroin |
61.004 |
37.945 |
49.4 |
0 |
26 |
India-Pakistan Border |
Jammu and Kashmir |
Opium |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
27 |
India-Pakistan Border |
Punjab |
Ganja |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.01 |
28 |
India-Pakistan Border |
Punjab |
Hemp |
0 |
0.25 |
0.12 |
0 |
29 |
India-Pakistan Border |
Punjab |
Heroin |
506.241 |
485.581 |
320.884 |
248.103 |
30 |
India-Pakistan Border |
Punjab |
Opium |
1.242 |
0.429 |
2.007 |
0.175 |
31 |
India-Pakistan Border |
Punjab |
Poppy |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5.7 |
32 |
India-Pakistan Border |
Rajasthan |
Heroin |
8.96 |
64.64 |
23.978 |
44.594 |
33 |
India-Pakistan Border |
Rajasthan |
Opium |
6.3 |
1 |
1.269 |
80 |
34 |
India-Pakistan Border |
Rajasthan |
Poppy |
70 |
23 |
106 |
0 |
The
data reveals a significant quantity of drugs seized across multiple states
bordering Bangladesh and Pakistan. Among the substances confiscated are brown
sugar, cannabis (charas and ganja), heroin, cocaine, opium, hemp, and poppy.
The states with the highest recorded seizures include Assam, Meghalaya,
Mizoram, Tripura, West Bengal, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and
Rajasthan.
Tripura
has seen a shocking amount of ganja seized, with 5,331.25 kg in 2020, 13,176.24
kg in 2021, 18,636.88 kg in 2022, and 11,332.81 kg in 2023 (until June 20th).
Similarly, West Bengal has recorded significant ganja seizures, with 6,082.131
kg in 2020, 5,705.995 kg in 2021, 9,096.109 kg in 2022, and 3,665.543 kg in
2023. These numbers highlight how cannabis trafficking is widespread along the
borders.
Heroin
seizures have also been significant in various states. Punjab, for instance,
confiscated 506.241 kg in 2020, 485.581 kg in 2021, 320.884 kg in 2022, and
248.103 kg in 2023. Rajasthan has also reported substantial heroin seizures,
with 8.96 kg in 2020, 64.64 kg in 2021, 23.978 kg in 2022, and 44.594 kg in
2023. These figures underscore the serious threat posed by the heroin trade
across borders.
Additionally,
other drugs like brown sugar, charas, cocaine, opium, hemp, and poppy have been
seized, with varying amounts across different states and years. It's important
to note that these numbers represent only the drugs that have been stopped, and
they may not reflect the full extent of trafficking activities.
The
findings from this data analysis are deeply concerning and require immediate
action from law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
It's crucial to strengthen border security measures, improve surveillance, and
step up efforts to intercept drug trafficking. Collaboration with neighboring
countries through international cooperation and intelligence sharing is
essential to combat this cross-border challenge effectively.
Addressing
the underlying causes of drug trafficking, such as poverty, lack of
opportunities, and organized crime, is crucial. Implementing comprehensive
strategies to reduce demand, including awareness campaigns and support for
rehabilitation and treatment, can help tackle the root of the problem.
Here are the practical suggestions
for addressing the above-mentioned drug-related problems and underlying causes.
i.
Enhanced
Border Security is crucial. We should invest in better surveillance tools like
drones and cameras to watch border areas closely. Also, increase the number of
border patrols and set up checkpoints with modern scanning devices to catch
hidden illegal items.
ii.
Interdiction
Efforts need to be intensified. This means we should do more targeted
operations based on information to break down drug trafficking networks. We
need to focus on areas and routes where the risk of smuggling drugs is high,
using data from previous seizures and gathering intelligence.
iii.
International
Cooperation is important. We should work closely with neighboring countries by
forming joint task forces and sharing information. By coordinating our actions,
we can better track and stop drug trafficking across borders.
iv.
Community
Engagement is key. We must involve local communities in reporting suspicious
activities to the police. Building trust and partnerships with community
leaders can help us fight drug trafficking together.
v.
Demand
Reduction Programs are essential. We need to educate people about the dangers
of drug abuse through programs in schools, communities, and workplaces. Also,
provide counseling, rehabilitation, and treatment services for those struggling
with drug addiction.
vi.
Targeted
Law Enforcement is necessary. We should focus on breaking up organized crime
groups involved in drug trafficking. This requires intelligence-led operations
and tougher penalties for drug-related crimes.
vii.
Public
Awareness Campaigns are vital. Launch media campaigns to inform people about
the risks of drug abuse and the importance of reporting illegal activities.
Awareness can help prevent drug trafficking and reduce demand for drugs.
viii.
Socio-Economic
Development is crucial. Addressing poverty and creating job opportunities can
reduce the need for people to turn to drug trafficking for income. Invest in
economic programs in vulnerable communities to tackle the root causes of drug
trafficking.
ix.
Data
Analysis and Monitoring are important tools. Continuously analyze seizure data
and trafficking trends to adjust strategies and allocate resources effectively.
This helps us stay ahead of emerging threats and make informed decisions.
x.
Legislative
Reforms are needed. Review and update laws related to drug trafficking to
ensure they are effective and aligned with international standards. Improve
legal frameworks for cooperation in criminal cases across borders.
By
following these practical steps in a coordinated way, we can disrupt drug
trafficking networks, reduce drug abuse, and protect our communities from the
harms caused by drugs and organized crime.
In
conclusion, the data on drug seizures along the India-Bangladesh and
India-Pakistan borders highlights the seriousness of the issue. It requires
coordinated efforts from various stakeholders, including law enforcement,
policymakers, international partners, and civil society. A holistic approach
combining improved security measures, socio-economic interventions, and demand
reduction strategies is necessary to disrupt the drug trade and ensure the
safety of our communities.
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