India and Tanzania Collaborate to Combat Drug Trafficking

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has approved a Memorandum of About (MoU) with Tanzania to combat drug trafficking. This partnership aims to enhance intelligence sharing regarding drug syndicates and smuggling routes. Tanzania is important transit point for heroin and cocaine, making this collaboration .

Background of the MoU

The MoU between India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Tanzania’s Drugs Control and Enforcement Authority focuses on drug demand reduction and the fight against illicit trafficking. This agreement follows a similar MoU signed with Nigeria in 2022. It marks India’s proactive stance in addressing global drug trafficking issues.

Significance of Tanzania

Tanzania, located in East Africa, is bordered by eight countries and the Indian Ocean. According to the 2022 National Census, it has a population of over 61 million. The country has become a major transit hub for drugs, particularly heroin from Afghanistan and cocaine from South America. The rising domestic drug use in Tanzania is alarming.

Drug Trafficking Trends

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports an increase in drug trafficking across Africa. The use of dangerous drug mixtures, or “cocktails,” has also surged. In 2024, Tanzania reported a record seizure of 2,300 tonnes of illicit drugs, reflecting the growing drug problem in the region.

India’s Drug Seizure Statistics

India has seen a dramatic rise in drug seizures. Between 2014 and December 2023, drug seizures increased by 160%. The number of cases registered against drug traffickers rose by 210% compared to the previous period from 2006 to 2013. The value of seized drugs jumped from Rs 7.68 crore to Rs 22,000 crore.

Collaboration Mechanisms

The MoU will facilitate the exchange of critical intelligence on drug trafficking networks. Both countries will share information on arrests, seizures, and active drug syndicates. Various Indian agencies, including the Navy and Coast Guard, are involved in the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to enhance enforcement against drug smuggling via sea routes.

Future Implications

The collaboration between India and Tanzania marks step in the global fight against drug trafficking. It puts stress on the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex drug-related challenges. Enhanced intelligence sharing can lead to more effective operations against drug syndicates operating across borders.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of drug trafficking on socio-economic development in East African countries.
2. Explain the role of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking. What are the challenges faced?
3. What are the implications of rising drug seizures in India on public health and law enforcement?
4. With suitable examples, comment on the significance of intelligence sharing in tackling transnational crime.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of drug trafficking on socio-economic development in East African countries.

1. Drug trafficking undermines governance and rule of law, leading to increased corruption and weakened institutions.
2. It contributes to social issues, such as addiction and family breakdown, impacting community health and stability.
3. Economic resources are diverted to combat drug-related crime instead of being invested in development projects.
4. Drug trafficking exacerbates poverty by limiting employment opportunities and increasing violence in affected areas.
5. Increased drug-related crime can deter foreign investment, affecting long-term economic growth.

2. Explain the role of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking. What are the challenges faced?

1. International cooperation enhances intelligence sharing, allowing countries to track and dismantle drug trafficking networks effectively.
2. Joint operations can lead to more drug seizures and arrests, disrupting supply chains.
3. Challenges include differing legal frameworks, lack of resources, and political will among cooperating nations.
4. Cultural differences and varying priorities can hinder effective collaboration and communication.
5. Corruption within law enforcement agencies can undermine international efforts and trust between nations.

3. What are the implications of rising drug seizures in India on public health and law enforcement?

1. Increased drug seizures indicate a growing drug problem, necessitating enhanced public health interventions and addiction treatment services.
2. Law enforcement agencies face challenges in managing the rising number of cases and ensuring effective prosecution of traffickers.
3. Public health resources may be strained, requiring more funding and support for rehabilitation programs.
4. Heightened drug seizures can lead to more awareness and preventive measures in communities.
5. The increase in drug-related crime may necessitate reforms in law enforcement strategies and policies to address root causes.

4. With suitable examples, comment on the significance of intelligence sharing in tackling transnational crime.

1. Intelligence sharing allows countries to identify and monitor drug trafficking routes, improving operational efficiency, as seen in the India-Tanzania MoU.
2. Successful operations, like the dismantling of the Mexican drug cartel, demonstrate the effectiveness of shared intelligence among countries.
3. It encourages trust and collaboration, leading to joint operations that can yield higher success rates in arrests and seizures.
4. Challenges include data privacy concerns and the need for standardized protocols for sharing sensitive information.
5. Effective intelligence sharing can deter criminal organizations by increasing the risk of apprehension, as evidenced by international task forces.