UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 2025 8th october
Question
Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism. [150Words, 10Marks].
Model Answer
Approach:
Introduction
Define narco-terrorism and highlight its increasing threat in India.
Body
Discuss the link between drug trafficking and terrorism, and its impacts on society, economy, and national security. Provide examples of affected regions in India and recent trends.
Conclusion
Suggest countermeasures like improved border security, international cooperation, and strengthening anti-drug laws.
Introduction
Narco-terrorism refers to the use of drug trafficking to fund terrorist activities, which has emerged as a significant threat to India. It not only fuels violence and terrorism but also undermines national security and destabilizes the social fabric.
Body
Emergence of narco-terrorism as a serious threat
Funding for Terrorism: Drug trafficking provides financial resources to terrorist groups, increasing their operational capacities.
For example: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) have reportedly used drug smuggling networks to finance terror activities.
Destabilization of Border Areas: Drug trafficking destabilizes border areas, fostering lawlessness and insurgency.
For example: Punjab’s border districts are heavily affected by drug smuggling from Pakistan, increasing local instability (Narcotics Control Bureau report, 2022).
Link with Organized Crime: Narco-terrorism promotes the rise of organized crime, which further exacerbates law enforcement challenges.
For example: In Northeast India, narcotic money has been linked to insurgent groups like NSCN (National Socialist Council of Nagaland).
Corruption and Weakening of Institutions: The high revenue from drug trafficking leads to corruption within law enforcement and political structures.
For example: Arrest of police officials in Punjab for colluding with drug traffickers (2021, NCB).
Social Disruption and Public Health Crisis: The easy availability of drugs creates a social and public health crisis, especially among the youth.
For example: High drug addiction rates in Punjab, where 10.7% of the population is reportedly affected (AIIMS study, 2019). Measures to Counter Narcoterrorism
Institutional Strengthening
National Investigation Agency (NIA) empowered under NDPS Act, 1985 for narcoterrorism investigations.
Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) established in each state for coordinated operations.
Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism for multi-agency coordination.
Technological and Operational Measures
MANAS Helpline (1933): 24x7 toll-free narcotics reporting system.
NIDAAN Portal: National database for NDPS offenders.
Border Security Enhancement: Empowering Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, and Railway Protection Force under NDPS Act.
Rehabilitation and Awareness
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: National campaign reaching over 14.07 crore people.
Drug Disposal Fortnight: Destroying 1 lakh kg narcotics worth ₹8,600 crores.
Establishment of de-addiction centres and counselling facilities.
International Cooperation
Collaborative efforts with SAARC and BIMSTEC nations.
Controlled delivery operations with foreign countries.
Intelligence sharing mechanisms for transnational drug networks.
Conclusion
Combating narcoterrorism requires a multi-pronged approach combining strengthened border security, enhanced inter-agency coordination, technological innovation, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs to achieve a drug-free India by 2047.