essay on drug addiction upsc

Drug Abuse in India: Sociological Perspective

Relevance: G.S paper I: Society and Social Issues

Sociology: Sociological thinkers:  Robert K. Merton- Latent and manifest functions, conformity and deviance, reference groups.

Although the use of various psychoactive substances such as alcohol, cannabis and opioids has been observed in India for centuries, the current dimension of the extent and pattern of psychoactive substance use and the problems associated with their use are not well documented.

Drug Abuse in India

• Substance abuse exists in all population groups but adult men bear the brunt of substance use disorders.
• Alcohol  is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians. About 14.6% of population (between 10 to 75 years) consume alcohol. States with the highest prevalence of alcohol use are Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa.
• After Alcohol,  Cannabis and Opioids  are the next commonly used substances in India. About 2.8% of the population (3.1 crore individuals) reports having used any cannabis product within the previous year.
• According to NCRB data, in 2019, 7719 out of the total 7860 suicide victims due to drug abuse/alcohol addiction were male.
• Even in the data relating to deaths due to road accidents, drugs & alcohol are one of the most causative factors.

Reasons for use of drugs in India

• India is at the location between  Golden Crescent (Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan) and Golden Triange (Burma, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam)  which are the two largest opium producing regions of the World.
• Students and Youth consume drugs as a  stress buster  from their studies or work pressure. It is generally seen that an unemployed youth, out of frustration, ends up in taking drugs.
• Peer pressure and other psychological factors  like the glamour attached to it and out of fun can cause teens to engage in risky behaviours, leading to substance abuse.
• People in the lower income group  who cannot have an adequate amount of food, take drugs to sleep or relax.
• The cause behind drug menace is the  drug cartels, crime syndicates  and ultimately the ISI which is the biggest supplier of drugs.
• The  African as well as the South Asian route  being misused to bring drugs into the country.

Impact of Drug Abuse

• Drug abuse leads to physical, psychological, moral and intellectual decay. This means wastage of economic potential of young generation.
• Drug addiction causes immense human distress. Incidence of eve- teasing, group clashes, assault and impulsive murders increase with drug abuse.
• Drug use can lead to social and emotional problems and can affect relationships with family and friends.
• Problems with memory, attention and decision-making, which make daily living more difficult.
• Illegal production and distribution of drugs have spawned crime and violence worldwide.
• Increase in incidences of HIV, hepatitis B and C and tuberculosis due to addiction adds the reservoir of infection in the community burdening the health care system further.
• Women in India face greater problems from drug abuse. The consequences include domestic violence and infection with HIV, as well as the financial burden.

Efforts by India to reduce Drug abuse

As enshrined in its constitution ( Article 47 ) and being one of the signatories of the United Nation’s International Conventions, India had the onus act to eliminate the use of illicit drugs, to develop measures to prevent drug use and to ensure availability of treatment for people with drug use disorders.

India has adopted the three-pronged strategies – supply, demand and harm reduction .

Drug De-addiction Programme (DDAP)

• Following the 1971’s UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, established an  Expert Committee  to look into the issue of drug and alcohol use in India.
• The Committee’s report was submitted in 1977, and after approval from the Planning Commission, Drug De-addiction Programme (DDAP) was rolled out in 1985-1986.
• The  primary aim  of the DDAP was  drug demand reduction .

Sociological Explanations

Sociological explanations emphasize the importance of certain aspects of the social environment—social structure, social bonds to family and school, social interaction, and culture—or drug use, depending on the type of drug.

For drugs like heroin and crack that tend to be used mostly in large urban areas, the social structure, or, to be more precise, social inequality, certainly seems to matter.

As sociologist Elliott Currie (1994, p. 3) has observed, the use of these drugs by urban residents, most of them poor and of color, reflects the impact of poverty and racial inequality:

“Serious drug use is not evenly distributed: it runs ‘along the fault lines of our society.’ It is concentrated among some groups and not others, and has been for at least half a century.”

This fact helps explain why heroin use grew in the inner cities during the 1960s, as these areas remained poor even as the US economy was growing.

 Inner-city youths were attracted to heroin because its physiological effects helped them forget about their situation and also because the heroin subculture —using an illegal drug with friends, buying the drug from dealers, and so forth—was an exciting alternative to the bleakness of their daily lives. Crack became popular in inner cities during the 1980s for the same reasons.

Social bonds to families and schools also make a difference . Adolescents with weak bonds to their families and schools, as measured by such factors as the closeness they feel to their parents and teachers, are more likely to use drugs of various types than adolescents with stronger bonds to their families and schools.

Their weaker bonds prompt them to be less likely to accept conventional norms and more likely to use drugs and engage in other delinquent behavior.

Regarding social interaction, sociologists emphasize that peer influences greatly influence one’s likelihood of using alcohol, tobacco, and a host of other drugs (Hanson et al., 2012).

Much and probably most drug use begins during adolescence, when peer influences are especially important. When our friends during this stage of life are drinking, smoking, or using other drugs, many of us want to fit in with the crowd and thus use one of these drugs ourselves.

In a related explanation, sociologists also emphasize that society’s “drug culture” matters for drug use.

For example, because we have a culture that so favors alcohol, many people drink alcohol. And because we have a drug culture in general, it is no surprise, sociologically speaking, that drug use of many types is so common.

To the extent that social inequality, social interaction, and a drug culture matter for drug use, sociologists say, it is a mistake to view most drug use as stemming from an individual’s biological or psychological problems.

Although these problems do play a role for some individuals’ use of some drugs, drug use as a whole stems to a large degree from the social environment and must be understood as a social problem, and not just as an individual problem.

Way Forward

• Considering the enormous challenge of substance use disorders in the country, there is an urgent need of policies and programmes which can bring relief to the large number of affected Indian citizens.
• Scientific evidence-based treatment needs to be made available for people with Substance use disorders.
• A coordinated, multi-stakeholder response will be necessary to scale-up treatment programmes in the country.
• Evidence-based substance use prevention programmes are needed to protect the young people.
• A conducive legal and policy environment is needed to help control drug problems.
• Harm reduction needs to be embraced widely as a philosophy to deal with substance use.
• Prevention of drug abuse and its health and psychosocial impact should be made part of the curriculum from the upper primary level.
• Revival of school clubs for early identification of drug users and expert intervention and setting up of suggestion box in schools.
• Awareness building and educating people about ill effects of drug abuse.
• Community based intervention for motivational counselling, identification, treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts.
• Training of volunteer/service providers and other stakeholders with a view to build up a committed and skilled cadre.
• Undertake drug demand reduction efforts to address all forms of drug abuse including dependence related to the consumption of two or more substances at the same time.
• Drug menace is the manifestation of deep-rooted distortions in the socio-cultural, economic and political system. Being systemic and multi-dimensional, its solution shall have to be systemic and multi-pronged.
• It is emphasized the need of preventive, punitive and curative measures to tackle the menace.
• There is an urgent need to understand the complexity of the problem having far-reaching social, economic and political implications.
• There is a need to address all these factors responsible for drug menace in the region as punitive measures alone cannot uproot this menace.

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Recently, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have arrested two persons, including a Pakistani national, and seized 20.57 kg of heroin being smuggled in via Punjab.

• According to a report by the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), India is one of the major hubs of illicit drug trade ranging from age-old cannabis to newer prescription drugs like tramadol, and designer drugs like methamphetamine .
• The money from the drug trade is used to finance terrorism, human trafficking, illegal businesses etc.
• Golden Triangle: It includes the regions of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand and is Southeast Asia’s main opium-producing region and one of the oldest narcotics supply routes to Europe and North America.
• Golden Crescent: It includes Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan and is a principal global site for opium production and distribution.
• Abuse of drugs among friends and peers
• Lack of social support
• Stress in life
• Low socioeconomic status
• Mental disorder such as depression
• Lack of friends in school or any social setting
• Traumatic events
• The economic downturn caused by the global pandemic may drive more people to substance abuse or leave them vulnerable to involvement in drug trafficking and related crime.
• It has aggravated the crime scenario in India.
• Persons dealing with narcotic drugs are instruments in causing the deaths of innocent and vulnerable victims.
• Other impacts like losing job, financial troubles, sexual abuse, accidents and injuries, legal consequences, etc.

Legal Provisions in India and World

• It outlaws the recreational use of cannabis .
• Under the Act, the production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and use of cannabis is a punishable offence.
• The NDPS Act, however, does not apply to the leaves and seeds of cannabis plants.
• In case the CBD is extracted from the leaves of the cannabis, then technically it is not illegal.
• CBD oil manufactured under a licence issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 can be legally used.
• It is vested with the power to charge individuals in cases related to the illegal use and supply of narcotics.
• India is a signatory to various international drug-related UN conventions and the responsibility of implementation of the provision of these international conventions also lies with NCB.
• It is the central policy-making body for the UN drug control system, which meets on an annual basis
• The Vienna-based CND was founded in 1946.
• It is to decide on the scope of control of substances by placing them in the schedules of global drug control conventions.

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Daily current affairs 13-05-2024, daily current affairs 11-05-2024, daily current affairs 10-05-2024, india-efta trade deal: a new beginning.

An article that fits as a case study is a story from The Indian Express . “In Arunachal district, women lead the fight for the drug-free community” written by Tora Agarwala. A solution-oriented story discusses a successful campaign against drug abuse in Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh. Led by women, the initiative titled “Nasha Mukt Changlang”, also shows how the dedicated district administration achieved its goal with the support of other stakeholders.

Case studies are an important part of the UPSC civil services exam, especially the ethics paper. These case studies can also be very beneficial for value addition in the essay, GS mains and interview. This particular case study is relevant for GS I- Issues related to women, youth, drug addiction. Also, recently United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its World Drug Report 2022 on World Drug Day. Use the case study wisely and enrich your answers. (Solve the MCQ given at the end of the article.)

“Every youth who destroy his life by drug addiction is a loss for our society”. For 25 long years, Kimcham Taiju’s husband in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh was addicted to ‘kaani’ which is opium in Arunachal Pradesh. Located in India’s eastern most periphery, Changlang of Arunachal Pradesh has long contended with an addiction problem. In 2021, a survey on substance abuse conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment identified the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh as among the 272 most vulnerable in the country. This has led the district administration to try to find a solution to this big problem.

Drug addiction problem and the fight against it. To fight against this serious issue there is a need for administration, civil societies and individuals to come together- not just for treatment but also rehabilitation.

The problem

1. Addiction is a problem that has its roots in colonial times. “The British encouraged the Singphos (in the northern region of the district) to consume opium to subjugate them. In Tangsa (tribe) areas, near Myanmar, black salt was traded for opium. This led to addiction in the local population. Soon, other synthetic drugs made inroads”- Deputy Commissioner of Changlang.

2. Several government-sponsored de-addiction camps were carried out without much success in the past. Most of them were traditional in nature with less participation from other stakeholders, other than the government.

3. Changlang and the two neighboring districts of Tirap and Longding (colloquially referred to as part of the TLC belt) have long been caught in a cycle of drugs and insurgencies: militant groups trade opium for arms. Despite multiple crackdowns by government agencies over the years, opium continues to thrive, with plantations across these areas.

The stakeholders

Drug addicts, district administration, women SHGs, gram sabha, NGOs, livelihood providers (for those who return after treatment), every individual etc.

The solutions

1. Bottom-up approach: A change in approach from the traditional unsuccessful past. Differently formulated de-addiction programme which would be bottom-up, and in collaboration with the village. In a bottom-up approach, there is a willingness to solve problems by creating fluidly. There is no imposition of structure. Every individual is seen as a stakeholder and participates in the mission.

2. Role of SHGs and Gram Sabha: Deputy Commissioner directed the women to activate their Self Help Group (SHG) network, and hold a gram sabha meeting, presided by village elders, where the issue was discussed, a list of addicts drawn up, and the idea of de-addiction suggested. At the end of the meeting, a unanimous resolution was passed: an undertaking by the village to be “drug-free”.

3. “Nasha Mukt Changlang” initiative- Like ” Nasha Mukt Bharat” on a micro-scale, it targeted the entire village, instead of a single individual. The addicts would be sent for a month-long de-addiction programme, either at a pre-existing NGO-run health facility or a temporary one in the village, followed by post-treatment rehabilitation including government-sponsored livelihood opportunities as well as counseling sessions and Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

As alternative livelihood options for those who have returned from the camps, the administration has provided recovering villages with poultry, piggery, and mushroom units to keep them busy.

So, “Nasha Mukta Chalang comprised” of (can be used in your answers and case studies solutions)

—Month long de-addiction programme at a de-addiction facility.

—Post-treatment rehabilitation and government-sponsored livelihood opportunities

—Counseling sessions

—Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

4. Close synergy between local communities and authorities- Success is possible due to the close synergy between the local community and the authorities. As the administration is involved things were seen to be more “systematic”.

5. Initiative by individuals -The story mentions Kitnya. Kitnya is the administration’s point of contact on the ground for villages under two circles, Yatdam and Namtok. From persuading people to join the camps, to coordinating with local SHGs, to supervising the day-to-day running of the centers, Kitnya spends hours in voluntary service.

6. Treat the problem as social, not criminal- “We did not treat the issue as a law and order problem. With addicts, treat them as patients and not as criminals because addiction is a medical problem. They need patience and care.” Positive sign- reports of some who relapsed, post-treatment.

7. Pro-active role of administration- It is seen by the efforts of administration right from the time when a group of women approached the district’s then Deputy Commissioner, Devansh Yadav, in February 2021, seeking a solution. The administration and the deputy commissioner realised that out-of-box thinking is required. It was realised that the administration has to walk hand in hand with the SHGs, Women groups, gram sabha and the village as a whole. The Deputy Commissioner says, “Since everyone in the village is involved, it is easy to identify them and work with them again.”

Interesting narration ( fit for an essay anecdote)

Kimcham Taiju says, she made the “bravest decision” of her life: she signed up her husband for a drug de-addiction programme. One Sunday evening in March, Taiju and the other women of the village gathered at the local community hall, and decided that “enough was enough”. A list of 50 names was drawn up, and submitted for the district administration’s month-long drug de-addiction programme. That night, Taiju broke the news to her husband. “Jaabi ne? (Will you go),” Taiju recalls asking him. “Jaam de (I will),” was his answer. The men were sent 100 km away, to a de-addiction facility in Bordumsa town. The women say the plan worked because “no one was singled out”. “They knew they were going together,” says Taijong, in her 40s.

Beyond the case –

1. The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day , is marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.

2. This year the theme is “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises”. The focus of the United Nations Office On Drug And Crime (UNODC) is to spread awareness about it so that a world free of drug abuse can be created. The motive is to fight off misinformation by sharing facts and by providing methods of treatment, prevention and care.

3. Recently, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its World Drug Report 2022 on World Drug Day. In 2021, drugs accounted for 91 percent of all sales on the 28 major darknet marketplaces, up from 85 percent in 2019.

Initiatives of the Government of India against drug abuse

1. National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) for 2018-2025. It aims to reduce the adverse consequences of drug abuse through a multi-pronged strategy involving education, de-addiction and rehabilitation of affected individuals and their families.

2. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act To prevent and combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking, with an apparent emphasis on supply reduction.

3. The National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse.

4. The Mental Health Care Act (2017) has included alcohol and drug use disorders under its ambit.

5. NCPCR-NCB released an action plan to combat drug abuse among children

The plan has been conceptualised as a framework to wean children away from drug abuse and stop the sale of drugs near schools and educational and childcare institutions.

Point to ponder

If you were a civil servant what will you do to tackle drug addiction among youth in your area on the social front?

Which of the following statement is true:

1. Theme for International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2022 is Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises.

2. The Mental Health Care Act (2017) includes alcohol and drug use disorders under its ambit.

3. India is a signatory to Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.

4. According to the World Drug Report 2022, there has been an acceleration in the use of cannabis in some areas of the world.

a) 1 and 2                        b) 1, 2 and 3 c) 2 and 4                        d) All are correct

Answer for the previous MCQ-

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Manas Srivastava is currently working as Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and majorly writes for UPSC-related projects leading a unique initiative known as UPSC Essentials. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called ‘Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik’ and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called ‘You Ask We Answer’.His talks on ‘How to read a newspaper’ focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also currently working on a monthly magazine for UPSC Aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University’s Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women’s Studies by the Women’s Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on ‘Psychological stress among students’ at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More

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The growing menace of Drug abuse in India

Published: 1st Oct, 2019

The rising incidence of drug abuse in India has come to the limelight. A recent Punjab government forensic lab report revealed that the number of deaths caused by drug overdose is rising.

• An AIIMS study in February 2019 found that around 5 crore Indians reported to have used cannabis and opioids at the time of the survey.
• About 60 lakh people are estimated to need help for their opioid use problems and nationally, it is estimated that there are about 8.5 lakh people who inject drugs.
• India’s porous borders adjacent to Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent areas allow illegal drug smuggling.
• Of the total cases estimated by the report, more than half of them are contributed by states like Assam, Delhi, Haryana, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh.
• Punjab ranks consistently at the top or in the top five in many of the surveys conducted.

Reasons for drug abuse

• Experimentation and identity forming: The incidence of drug abuse among children and adolescents is higher than the general population. This is notably because youth is a time for experimentation and identity forming. Changing cultural values, increasing economic stress are some other reasons leading to initiation into drugs use.
• Glorification in media: Quite often it so happens that doing drugs is romanticized and some fictional positive aspects of the same are shown.
• Neurotic pleasure: Abused drugs interact with the neurochemistry of the brain to produce feelings of pleasure. The intensity of this euphoria differs by the type of drug and how it is used.
• To feel better: Some people suffer from depression, social anxiety, stress-related disorders, and physical pain. Using drugs may be an attempt to lessen these feelings of distress. Stress especially plays a significant role in starting and continuing drug use as well as returning to drug use (relapsing) for those recovering from an addiction.
• To boost performance: Ours is a very competitive society, in which the pressure to perform athletically and academically can be intense. Some people may turn to certain drugs like illegal or prescription stimulants because they think those substances will enhance or improve their performance.
• Changing traditional societal values: The processes of industrialization, urbanization and migration have led to loosening of the traditional methods of social control rendering an individual vulnerable to the stresses and strains of modern life.
• To be accepted by peers: Many people use drugs “because others are doing it”—or they think others are doing it—and they fear not being accepted in a social circle that includes drug-using peers. It soon reaches a stage where this need becomes much more than other needs in life and the person begins to believe their survival depends on those drugs.
• Lack of effective policing: Police sometimes turn blind eyes for the sake of their own profit. Police need to remain alert on surveillance so as to curb this drug syndicate.

Impact of Drug Abuse

• Drug abuse leads to physical, psychological, moral and intellectual decay. This means wastage of economic potential of young generation.
• Drug addiction causes immense human distress . Incidence of eve- teasing, group clashes, assault and impulsive murders increase with drug abuse.
• Drug use can lead to social and emotional problems and can affect relationships with family and friends.
• Problems with memory, attention and decision-making, which make daily living more difficult.
• Illegal production and distribution of drugs have spawned crime and violence worldwide.
• Increase in incidences of HIV, hepatitis B and C and tuberculosis due to addiction adds the reservoir of infection in the community burdening the health care system further.
• Women in India face greater problems from drug abuse. The consequences include domestic violence and infection with HIV, as well as the financial burden .

Solutions to Drug Problem

• Society based Solutions: Prevention programmes involving entities such as families, schools and the immediate communities are important in this regard. Media – especially the entertainment segment – also needs to understand its role in this context, glorification of drug use should completely stop. Role of NGO’s is also important to fight this menace.
• Legal Measures: The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, were enacted with stringent provisions to curb this menace. The Act has been further amended by making provisions for the forfeiture of properties derived from illicit drugs trafficking. However, effective implementation and time bound judicial process are the need of the hour.
• International effort: India lies between two major drugs producing areas in the world i.e. Golden Crescent (Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan) and Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar). In order to stop supply of drugs from these areas International coordination is very important. We need to effectively use SAARC and ASEAN platform for joint coordinated action against drugs trafficking.
• Also, India is signatory to the following treaties and conventions . U.N. Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), U.N. Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971), U.N. Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988), Transnational Crime Convention (2000).
• Manipur is exploring possibility to legalise cannabis, or marijuana growing and use it for medicinal and industrial usage. This may allow proper regulations and thereby curb illegal usage of drugs

Way Forward

• Considering the wider perspective of the threat the drug menace presents, India has to spread more awareness among the public particularly among youth about ill effects of drug abuse and need to create adequate infrastructure for treatment, rehabilitation and harm reduction for the victim of the drug abuse.
• Make treatment available on Request like Any Other Health Service: Making treatment services widely available undermines the drug market and reduces the harms from drug abuse.
• Treatment should be defined broadly and must include abstinence-based treatment and easier access to methadone and other alternative maintenance drug.
• The most effective way to prevent adolescent drug abuse is to invest in youth and keep them interested and involved in life.
• Government should increase funding for after school programs, mentor programs, skills building/job training programs and summer job programs.
• Psychiatrist counselling of drug patients: Early recognition Program.
• Include drug abuse related topics in school curriculum at appropriate age.
• Build more rehabilitation centres and create support groups like Alcoholic anonymous.

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Drug Abuse : A Social Evil | UPSC Mains Essay Preparation PDF Download

Drug Abuse : A Social Evil

(1) Opening    —    Social Awareness.

    —    Enslavement to drugs and compulsion to obtain and consume it by any means.

(2) Body    —    Different types of drugs.

    —    Explanation by psycholo-gists and sociologists.

    —    New dimension in drug abuge.

    —    Search for the causes of drug abuse.

    —    Drugs among children.

    —    Effects of drug.

    —    Laws are not so strict.

    —    Drug as a source of revenue.

(3) Closing    —    Drug abuse is a social problem and has legal ramification. War on drugs is on.

"Drug is Death : Say no to Drugs " and other such slogans visible on billboards and newspapers are proofs of the social awareness drug abuse has attracted. Drug related crimes are equally conscience stirring and have made people much over it.

We all have relied on the drugs. Our doctors have prescribed for the various diseases, so, how can its use be an abuse. The use of psychoactive substances for obtaining relief from mental tension or physical discomfort i.e. for therapeutic uses is legitimate use of drugs. Contrary to this, when used for attaining pleasure or new experiences and consequent physical or psychological harm is termed as drug abuse. Such drug abuse induces drug dependence and ultimately addiction and habituation. In drug addicts there is an enslavement to drugs and compulsion to obtain and consume it by any means. They develop a psychological and physical dependence on the effects of the drugs and an effect detrimental to the individual and to the society.

The abusable drugs are of various types; sedatives or depressants that relax the central nervous systems, induce sleep and provide a soothing effect. Stimulants activate the central nervous systems and relieve tensions, makes them aggressive and counteract fatigue. Narcotics, like depressants affect — the central nervous system and produce feelings of pleasure strength and lesson inhibitions. Hallucinogens produce distortion of perceptions and dream images.

Drug abuse has been explained by psychologists and sociologists. It is generally regarded that pleasurable sensations produced by drugs reinforce their use or it  satisfies certain psychological needs, or is a response to fear and insecurity to the conditions of modern life, often association with users is also regarded as a reason for accepting drugs. Drug abuse can also be explained in terms of weakening of social bonds between individuals and society due to maladjustment alienation and non-commitments.

A new dimension in drug abuse has been its use by sports persons to enhance their potential beyond humanly endurable limits. The incident of Ben Johnson was a jolt to the sports lovers all over the world and has caused much thinking on effort to curb the recurrence of such incidents. However, with unfailing regularity such controversies erupt, for example Katrin Krabe.

It would be apropriate here to search for the causes of drug abuse. Among sports persons it can be safely attributed to the search and urge for glory. It can be  an attempt to gain an unfair advantage over the others in the achievement orientation of modern society. The ends have become all powerful and means have been relegated as secondary.

The use of drugs among children which is most shocking and astoundign can be variously explained. Juvenile delinquents take to it in defiance and devisance to the social values. Some children accept it under peer group pressure and as an act of proving their 'masculinity. Others take to this due to weakening of emotional bonds between parents and siblings. The children who are in an impressionable age require much effectual and emotional bond to wean them away from such anti-social activities.

In rural areas the use of psychoactive substance is for religious purposes e.g. Holi, Shivratri and on ritual occasions. However, it is also used to relieve fatigue and also a source of entertainment.

In industrial urban setting the use is for more or less the same reasons.

Apart from the health and physical disadvantages drug abuse causes, it has also led to an acceleration in crime. An addict would stop at nothing to get his dose of the drug. There has been a spurt in thefts and murders by these addicts whose dependence physical and psychological upon the drugs is so great that the accepted values and norms of the society is shelved and their prime concern becomes acquiring their dosage.

There has been an increase in smuggling and peddling of those drugs as the economic advantages are numerous. It has also made the gangs engaged in such activities more vicious and violent as the economic stakes are very high.

This delineation of drug abuse brings us to the point where reference must be made to efforts to curb their evil. Given that the use of drugs have historical and cultural context makes prevention more complicated. Efforts have been made to combat drug trafficking, treat addicts and prevent drug abuse.

India being on the transit route faces a challenging and unenviable task. However, our Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act has not been very effective, Seizures have increased and so have indictment for offences but that is reflective only of the increase in those activities and not any positive development of control of drug abuse. Other legal sanctions are merely suggestions of intention and not actions.

Government regards drugs as a source of revenue and therefore its cultivation cannot be stopped. The inefficiency of administrative machinery in policing and preventing abuse needs no highlighting.

The only positive developments is the establishment of de-addiction and detoxification centers which have enabled us to salvage some people from destruction. However, these centres are expensive and the addicts have a tendency to relapse unless they have a strong will power and a desire to abdicate the malaise. Voluntary associations have also been doing a commendable task.

In conclusion, we can say that drug abuse has been realised as a major evil. It is a social problem and has legal ramifications. It has been given a high profile now and mass media has been disseminating information to educate people with the intention of preventing drug abuse. The battle continues and war on drugs is on.

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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

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23 August, 2021

Drug Abuse in India

• Social issues
• Ministry of Social Justice

Although the use of various psychoactive substances such as alcohol, cannabis and opioids has been observed in India for centuries, the current dimension of the extent and pattern of psychoactive substance use and the problems associated with their use are not well documented.

The National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi was entrusted with the responsibility to lead the technical and scientific aspects of the National Survey on Extent and Pattern for Substance Use in India which was conducted in all the 36 states and UTs of the country, in collaboration with ten other medical institutes and a network of 15 NGOs.

• Substance abuse exists in all population groups but adult men bear the brunt of substance use disorders.
• Alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians. About 14.6% of population (between 10 to 75 years) consume alcohol. States with the highest prevalence of alcohol use are Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa.
• After Alcohol, Cannabis and Opioids are the next commonly used substances in India. About 2.8% of the population (3.1 crore individuals) reports having used any cannabis product within the previous year.
• It has been estimated that there are about 8.5 lakh people who inject drugs.
• Of the total cases estimated by the report, more than half of them are contributed by states like Punjab, Assam, Delhi, Haryana, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh.
• About 60 lakh people are estimated to need help for their opioid use problems.
• More and more children are taking to alcohol consumption and the highest percentage of children who are addicted to alcohol are in Punjab followed by West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
• According to NCRB data, in 2019, 7719 out of the total 7860 suicide victims due to drug abuse/alcohol addiction were male.
• Even in the data relating to deaths due to road accidents, drugs & alcohol are one of the most causative factors.

Reasons for use of drugs in India

• India is at the location between Golden Crescent (Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan) and Golden Triange (Burma, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam) which are the two largest opium producing regions of the World.
• Students and Youth consume drugs as a stress buster from their studies or work pressure. It is generally seen that an unemployed youth, out of frustration, ends up in taking drugs.
• Peer pressure and other psychological factors like the glamour attached to it and out of fun can cause teens to engage in risky behaviours, leading to substance abuse.
• People in the lower income group who cannot have an adequate amount of food, take drugs to sleep or relax.
• The cause behind drug menace is the drug cartels, crime syndicates and ultimately the ISI which is the biggest supplier of drugs.
• The African as well as the Southasian route being misused to bring drugs into the country.

Impact of Drug Abuse

• Drug abuse leads to physical, psychological, moral and intellectual decay. This means wastage of economic potential of young generation.
• Drug addiction causes immense human distress. Incidence of eve- teasing, group clashes, assault and impulsive murders increase with drug abuse.
• Drug use can lead to social and emotional problems and can affect relationships with family and friends.
• Problems with memory, attention and decision-making, which make daily living more difficult.
• Illegal production and distribution of drugs have spawned crime and violence worldwide.
• Increase in incidences of HIV, hepatitis B and C and tuberculosis due to addiction adds the reservoir of infection in the community burdening the health care system further.
• Women in India face greater problems from drug abuse. The consequences include domestic violence and infection with HIV, as well as the financial burden.

International Efforts to fight Drug abuse

• The first International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed by the UN General Assembly on June 26, 1987. Since then, every year, this day marks the coherent and seamless global cooperation to achieve a drug-free society. So far, the UN has organized three international conventions in 1961, 1971 and 1988. The first one sought to eliminate the illicit production and non-medical use of opioids, cannabis and cocaine . The meeting held in 1971 extended the scope to the psychotropic medications or synthetic drugs (e.g., amphetamines, barbiturates and LSD). The third convention against illicit trafficking was targeted at the suppression of the illegal global market, and the restriction was also extended to the precursor chemicals .
• India is also signatory to the following International treaties and conventions:
• United Nations (UN) Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961)
• UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971).
• UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988)
• UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) 2000

Efforts by India to reduce Drug abuse

As enshrined in its constitution ( Article 47 ) and being one of the signatories of the United Nation's International Conventions, India had the onus act to eliminate the use of illicit drugs, to develop measures to prevent drug use and to ensure availability of treatment for people with drug use disorders.

India has adopted the three-pronged strategies - supply, demand and harm reduction .

Drug De-addiction Programme (DDAP)

• Following the 1971's UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, established an Expert Committee to look into the issue of drug and alcohol use in India.
• The Committee's report was submitted in 1977, and after approval from the Planning Commission, Drug De-addiction Programme (DDAP) was rolled out in 1985-1986.
• The primary aim of the DDAP was drug demand reduction .

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985

• India is a signatory to the UN Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs 1961, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 and the Convention on Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988 which prescribe various forms of control aimed to achieve the dual objective of limiting the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes as well as preventing the abuse of the same.
• The primary aim of the NDPS was 'to prevent and combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking', an apparent emphasis on the supply reduction.
• The administrative and legislative setup in the field of Narcotics has been put in place in the country in accordance with the spirit of the UN Conventions.
• The basic legislative instrument of the Government of India in this regard is the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
• The Act provides stringent provisions for the control and regulation of operations relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
• It also provides for forfeiture of property derived from, or used in, illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
• It also provides for death penalty in some cases where a person is a repeat offender.

National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse

• The consultative committee (an advisory committee formed by the NDPS Act), which was constituted in 1988, formulated a national-level policy to control drug abuse.
• The committee created a fund, National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse and involved a couple of other major stakeholders - the Ministry of Health (and Family Welfare) and the Ministry of Welfare (currently Social Justice and Empowerment).
• The Ministry of Health was entrusted with the job of prevention and treatment of drug dependence, whereas the Ministry of Welfare was assigned with the responsibility of the rehabilitation and social integration of people with drug dependence.
• The Ministry of Health established seven treatment centres during the first phase (in 1988).
• The aims of these centres were treatment, drafting of educational material and training of medical and paramedical staff to generate the future workforce to deal with the problem of drug abuse.

Other Policy and Schemes

• Over the last three decades, there has been a substantial expansion of services in all dimensions.
• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment published the draft policy of the drug demand reduction, the National Drug Demand Reduction Draft Policy in 2013 .
• To scale up the existing services, the Ministry has rolled out the 'Central Sector Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and Social Defence Services .'
• The Ministry of Social Justice has also published its five-year plan, 'National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction' in 2018.
• The Mental Health Care Act (2017) has included alcohol and drug use disorders under its ambit . This measure is likely to increase the adherence to the human rights, to ensure non-discrimination, the respect to the right to autonomy and confidentiality, to increase the availability and access to the minimum standard of care and rehabilitation for people with substance use disorders.

Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign

• This campaign launched this year in 2020, is run for 272 Most Affected Districts’ by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with focus on institutional support, community outreach and awareness generation.
• It focuses on a three-pronged strategy combining-
• Efforts of Narcotics Bureau,
• Outreach/Awareness by Social Justice and
• Treatment through the Health Dept.
• These districts are identified based on inputs from Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and findings of Comprehensive National Survey done by Ministry.
• Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in 272 districts is from 15th August 2020 to 31st March 2021.
• Abhiyaan Action Plan has the following components:-
• Awareness generation programmes in the community and Youth in particular
• Focus on Higher Educational institutions, University Campuses and Schools
• Community outreach and identification of dependent population
• Focus on Treatment facilities in Hospital settings
• Capacity Building Programmes for Service Providers.

National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) for 2018-2025

• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated and is implementing a National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) for 2018-2025 .
• The Plan aims at reduction of adverse consequences of drug abuse through a multi-pronged strategy.
• The activities under the NAPDDR, inter-alia, include awareness generation programmes in schools/colleges/Universities, workshops/seminars/ with parents, community based peer led interactions intervention programmes for vulnerable adolescent and youth in the community, provisioning of treatment facilities and capacity building of service providers.
• The Ministry has also initiated focused intervention programmes in vulnerable districts across the country with an aim to increase community participation and public cooperation in the reduction of demand for dependence-producing substances and promote collective initiatives and self-help endeavour among individuals and groups vulnerable to addiction or found at risk.

Way Forward

• Considering the enormous challenge of substance use disorders in the country, there is an urgent need of policies and programmes which can bring relief to the large number of affected Indian citizens.
• Scientific evidence-based treatment needs to be made available for people with Substance use disorders.
• A coordinated, multi-stakeholder response will be necessary to scale-up treatment programmes in the country.
• Evidence-based substance use prevention programmes are needed to protect the young people.
• A conducive legal and policy environment is needed to help control drug problems.
• Harm reduction needs to be embraced widely as a philosophy to deal with substance use.
• Prevention of drug abuse and its health and psychosocial impact should be made part of the curriculum from the upper primary level.
• Revival of school clubs for early identification of drug users and expert intervention and setting up of suggestion box in schools.
• Awareness building and educating people about ill effects of drug abuse.
• Community based intervention for motivational counselling, identification, treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts.
• Training of volunteer/service providers and other stakeholders with a view to build up a committed and skilled cadre.
• Undertake drug demand reduction efforts to address all forms of drug abuse including dependence related to the consumption of two or more substances at the same time.
• Drug menace is the manifestation of deep-rooted distortions in the socio-cultural, economic and political system. Being systemic and multi-dimensional, its solution shall have to be systemic and multi-pronged.
• It is emphasized the need of preventive, punitive and curative measures to tackle the menace.
• There is an urgent need to understand the complexity of the problem having far-reaching social, economic and political implications.
• There is a need to address all these factors responsible for drug menace in the region as punitive measures alone cannot uproot this menace.

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• International Day Drug Abuse Illicit Trafficking

International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking (UPSC GS-II)

26th June is recognized as the International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 7th December 1987, decided that 26th June of every year will be recognized as the International Drug Day (another name for International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking.)  The theme for 2021 International Drug Day which was observed on 26th June 2021 was, ‘Share Facts On Drugs, Save Lives.’

Read on to know more important facts of this day for the IAS Exam .

International Day Againt Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking- Download PDF Here

Similarly, other important national and international days that are important from the civil services examination perspectives have been mentioned in the linked article.

Background of International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking

As a global problem, drugs trade has always been a debatable scenario. The first international conference on narcotic drugs was held in Shanghai in 1909.  Gradually,  a multilateral system to control production, trafficking, and abuse of drugs was developed.

Three drug control conventions were adopted under the auspices of the United Nations (in 1961, 1971 and 1988).

Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 –  The aim of the convention was to combat drug abuse by international action that was well coordinated. Intervention and control that work together and have two forms. First, it seeks to limit the possession, use, trade-in, distribution, import, export, manufacture and production of drugs exclusively to medical and scientific purposes. Second, it combats drug trafficking through international cooperation to deter and discourage drug traffickers.

Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 – An international control system for psychotropic substances was established. It responded to the diversification and expansion of the spectrum of drugs of abuse and introduced controls over a number of synthetic drugs according to their abuse potential on the one hand and their therapeutic value on the other.

United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988 –  This Convention provides comprehensive measures against drug trafficking, including provisions against money laundering and the diversion of precursor chemicals. It provides for international cooperation through, for example, extradition of drug traffickers controlled deliveries and transfer of proceedings.

• The United Nations General Assembly first decided to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by a resolution moved on 7th December 1987.
• This day is marked to embolden action and cooperation to secure the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

Significance of International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking

• The UN fights against the menace of drug abuse through various bodies.
• The UNODC or the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime leads the fight against illicit drugs, as well as an international crime.
• The UNODC was formed in 1997 and has field offices all over the globe.
• The UN observes international days to raise public awareness about issues, get support from governments and international bodies, as well as engage individuals and communities in combating severe problems and concerns.
• A special session on drugs was held in the year 2016 by the General Assembly.
• The international day is marked to recognize the severe impact drug abuse and addiction is having on people’s lives, and also on societal peace, development, and growth.
• Every year, almost 2 lakh people deal with illicit trafficking.

International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking 2020

The International Drug Day 2020 was observed on 26th June 2020. The theme was ‘Better Knowledge for Better Care.’ The salient points of this day are:

• The underlying intention to decide the theme of this year was to promote a better understanding of the drug abuse problem.
• A better understanding is expected to bring better international cooperation to fight the drug abuse issue.
• Health, governance, and security are the sectors that are majorly hit with the illicit trafficking of drugs and its abuse, hence with a better understanding of the issue, greater international cooperation is needed.

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Themes (Year-Wise)

The table below mentions the Year-Wise World Drug Day along with their respective themes:

World Drug Report

World Drug Report is published annually by the United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime. The World Drug Report 2021 has been presented in five separate booklets:

• Cannabis is more potent but fewer young people see it as harmful
• Combat misinformation about the potential impact of the increased strength of cannabis.
• Prioritise public health over private business through a comprehensive ban on advertising.
• Increase investment in research both into the harm cannabis use poses to health and the possible medical uses of the drug.
• Monitor the cannabis markets and the perception of risks associated with cannabis use
• Population most at risk of using drugs, young people aged 15–34, is projected to grow in the next decade, in particular in low-income countries
• Differences between men and women in the extent of drug use may play a critical role in changes in the projected number of people who use drugs in developing countries, including in Africa .
• As a result of its projected population growth and relatively young population, Africa is likely to be particularly vulnerable to an increase in the number of people who use drugs by 2030.
• Some 36 million people suffer from drug use disorders
• Decline in quantities of cannabis herb seized in North America may be partly linked to the legalization of some cannabis markets in that subregion
• Trafficking in cannabis resin continues to be more geographically concentrated than trafficking in cannabis herb
• Cannabis use is increasing among the adult population but remains stable among secondary school students in Western and Central Europe
• Quantities of cocaine seized increased in all sub- regions in the Americas, including North America, the world’s largest cocaine market
• Sharp increase in the quantity of cocaine seized in Europe, with Western and Central Europe remaining the second largest destination market for cocaine worldwide
• Booklet 5 – This book of World Drug Report 2021 contains an early assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on drug markets, as the situation continues to evolve and more data become available. Its key takeways are as follows:
• Overall, drug supply and trafficking proved to be resilient to COVID-19-related changes.
• After initial disruptions, global drug production was largely unaffected by COVID-19 throughout 2020
• Drug trafficking may have slowed significantly during initial lockdown periods but resumed at the same or even increased levels soon after restrictions were lifted.

IAS aspirants can review the UPSC Syllabus for the prelims and mains examination and start their preparation accordingly.

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Frequently Asked Questions on International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking

Q 1. what was the theme for international day against drug abuse & illicit trafficking 2021, q 2. when was the first international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking observed, q 3. what is the world drug campaign, q 4. why is drug education important.

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Drug trafficking in India: emerging challenges – Explained, pointwise

ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 27th May. Click Here for more information.

• 1 Introduction
• 2 About the status of Drug trafficking in India
• 3 What are the reasons behind Drug trafficking in India?
• 4 What are the various initiatives undertaken to regulate Drug trafficking in India?
• 5 What are the challenges in regulating Drug trafficking in India?   
• 6 What is should be done?

Introduction

Drug trafficking in India is a serious issue that poses challenges to the social, economic, and political fabric of the country. The illegal trade of drugs has been a persistent problem, and it continues to evolve and become more sophisticated with new technologies and methods.

The emergence of darknet markets and increased use of maritime routes has posed new challenges in the fight against drug trafficking in India. It is important to address these emerging challenges with innovative solutions to ensure the well-being and safety of society.  

About the status of Drug trafficking in India

According to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)’s latest annual report, drug trafficking through sea routes in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal accounts for around 70% of the total illegal drugs smuggled into India. The use of maritime routes by international drug syndicates based in Pakistan and Afghanistan is expected to increase.   

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s World Drug Report 2022 revealed that India is one of the world’s largest opiate markets in terms of users and is vulnerable to increased supply from Afghanistan . Punjab and Himachal Pradesh are leading in India’s epidemic of opioid users, while Gujarat is now the third worst state in terms of drug overdose deaths.   

A survey report by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) in 2019 showed that drug consumption in India has increased compared to the survey report in 2004.   

Over 60% of the darknet is being used for illegal drug trade due to its anonymity and low risks. The use of cryptocurrency payments and courier services for doorstep delivery has made darknet transactions more appealing than traditional drug markets.  

What are the reasons behind Drug trafficking in India?

There are several reasons behind drug trafficking in India, some of which are:   

Geographical location: India’s location between the “Golden Crescent” and “Golden Triangle ” regions, which are major drug-producing areas, makes it vulnerable to drug trafficking.   

Example: Drugs like heroin, opium, and hashish are produced in the Golden Crescent, which includes Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, and are smuggled into India through the northwest border.   

Porous borders: India shares borders with several countries that are known for drug production and trafficking, and these borders are often poorly guarded and easily penetrated by smugglers.   

For instance, the North-East States that share borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, China, and Bhutan are the hot-spots for drug smuggling.  

High demand: India has a large population, and there is a high demand for drugs, both for recreational and medicinal purposes.   

For example, drugs like marijuana and cocaine are in high demand in metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi.  

Lack of awareness: There is a lack of awareness among people about the dangers of drug abuse, and many people do not know how to identify drug abuse or how to get help.   

Example: Young people who are not educated about the risks of drug abuse are particularly vulnerable to falling prey to drug traffickers.   

Corruption: Corruption among law enforcement agencies and government officials allows drug traffickers to operate with impunity.   

Example: Some drug traffickers are able to bribe officials at border crossings to allow them to smuggle drugs into the country without being caught.   

What are the various initiatives undertaken to regulate Drug trafficking in India?

Domestic initiatives :

National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) : It was introduced in 1985 to regulate drug trafficking and the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India.   

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): It is the nodal agency for drug law enforcement in India. It was established in 1986 to coordinate drug law enforcement efforts across the country.   

National Narcotics Coordination Portal: The multiplicity of stakeholders in Drug Law Enforcement has necessitated coordination between various agencies on real time basis.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted a four tier coordination mechanism for increasing coordination amongst the nationwide stakeholders from grass root level to apex level and effectively combating the menace of drugs. The Apex NCORD, Executive NCORD, State NCORD and District CORD are four pillars of mechanism.   

Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs): The MoSJE provides financial assistance to NGOs and voluntary organizations for the maintenance of Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs). These centers offer comprehensive rehabilitation services to individuals with substance abuse disorders.   

National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR): The MoSJE launched the NAPDDR for 2018-2025. The Plan aims at reduction of adverse consequences of drug abuse through a multi-pronged strategy.

The activities under the NAPDDR, inter-alia, include awareness generation programmes in schools/colleges/ Universities, workshops/seminars/ with parents, community based peer led interactions intervention programmes for vulnerable adolescent and youth in the community, provisioning of treatment facilities and capacity building of service providers.  

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan/Drugs-Free India Campaign : It was flagged off on 15th August 2020 (Independence Day) for 272 districts across 32 State/Union Territories that have been identified as the most vulnerable in terms of usage of drugs in the country. It is operational with the involvement of more than 500 voluntary organizations across the country, which are assisted financially under the NAPDDR scheme.   

International collaborations and treaties:  

Bilateral Agreements and Conventions: India has signed several bilateral agreements and conventions with other countries to regulate drug trafficking, including the UN Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs 1961, The Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 and The Convention on Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.   

Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs): India has signed various MLATs with other countries to cooperate in the investigation, prosecution, and extradition of drug traffickers. These MLATs provide a legal framework for the sharing of information and evidence between the signatory countries.   

Participation in international organizations: India is a member of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), which work to coordinate international efforts to prevent drug trafficking.   

Joint Operations and Information Sharing : India cooperates with other countries through joint operations and sharing of intelligence to prevent drug trafficking.   

For example, The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in conjunction with the intelligence agencies, has been making big seizures frequently. ICG has developed a good synergy not only with the security agencies but also with the coast guards of Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bangladesh.   

What are the challenges in regulating Drug trafficking in India?    

Technological Advancements: Drug traffickers are increasingly using technology to evade law enforcement agencies. For instance, they use the darknet to sell drugs, untraceable internet-based technology for drug-related communications, and drones to transport drugs from across the border.  

Insufficient Law Enforcement Apparatus : Despite efforts to improve law enforcement, there is a perceived lack of coordination among different agencies. This has led to the failure to effectively tackle drug trafficking and abuse.   

Lack of Social Awareness: Drug abuse and addiction are often stigmatized in Indian society, which hinders efforts to create awareness and promote prevention measures.   

Inadequate Rehabilitation Facilities: There is a need to develop more rehabilitation facilities for drug addicts in India. The available facilities are often insufficient to cater to the needs of the large number of people struggling with addiction.   

Political Interference: Political interference often hampers the work of law enforcement agencies and hinders their ability to tackle drug trafficking effectively.   

What is should be done?

Strengthening law enforcement: The government should take measures to strengthen the law enforcement agencies involved in drug control, including Customs, the Narcotics Control Bureau, and state police forces. This can include providing them with better training, technology, and resources.   

Creating public awareness: The government can create public awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of preventing drug trafficking.   

Tackling drug addiction: The government can provide more support for drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation, including setting up more treatment centres and providing more funding for existing ones.  

Increasing international cooperation: The government can work with other countries to increase international cooperation and sharing of information and intelligence on drug trafficking networks.   

Addressing socio-economic issues: Socio-economic factors like poverty, unemployment, and lack of education can contribute to drug abuse and trafficking. Therefore, the government can address these issues through poverty reduction measures, employment generation schemes, and increasing access to education.   

Strengthening laws and regulations: The government can strengthen laws and regulations related to drug trafficking and impose stricter penalties for offenders.   

Reducing demand: Reducing demand for drugs can be done through community-based prevention programs, education, and awareness campaigns.   

Improving border control: The government can improve border control by increasing surveillance, using advanced technology and equipment, and strengthening border security forces.   

By taking a multi-faceted approach, India can overcome the issue of drug trafficking and make progress towards a drug-free society.  

Sources : Indian Express ( Article 1 and Article 2 ), The Wire , The Hindu , AIR , Hindustan Times and The Hindu Businessline

Syllabus : GS – 3: Security Issues – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

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