Drugs Trafficking and Transnational Crime: An Appraisal in India

Transnational crimes are illegal activities that transcend international borders and significantly impact several countries. Of all the transnational crimes, drug trafficking is considered to be the most powerful resource of transnational organized crime. Drug trafficking is the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of substances that are subject to drug prohibition laws as defined by Interpol. They are often linked with organized crime, violence, and corruption and have a significant impact on the global economy with widespread addiction straining public health systems. Drug trafficking is often controlled by cartels, which frequently engage in various illegal activities beyond the drug trade, such as arms smuggling and human trafficking. Poverty and unemployment are usually seen as a factor in driving individuals towards drug trade and abuse. In India, drug trafficking is a significant issue, determined by various factors including geographical location, socio-economic conditions, and global drug demand. As India shares borders with other countries, it is convenient for illicit drug dealers to use it as a transit point, with established trafficking routes through land, sea, and air. India has enacted stringent laws, such as the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, aimed at curbing drug trafficking and abuse. The following study examines the present trend of drug trafficking in India and assesses the effectiveness of the laws aimed at curbing drug trafficking in the country.