From Opium to Meth: Quantifying Drug Trafficking in India and Beyond

 

According to a recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), global drug use has seen an alarming rise. Released in June 2024, the report indicates that there were approximately 292 million drug users worldwide in 2022—an increase of 20% compared to the previous decade.

The report highlights specific drug preferences among users. Cannabis remains the most widely consumed drug globally, with 228 million people using it. Opioids are consumed by 60 million people worldwide, while 30 million people use amphetamines. Cocaine use is reported by 23 million people, and Ecstasy is taken by 20 million people.

Additionally, the UNODC found that international drug trafficking networks continue to operate in South Asia. The region serves as a base for the illicit manufacture and trafficking of amphetamine-type stimulants. This prevalence is mainly due to the widespread availability of precursor chemicals in the area. Notably, overdose deaths have increased in several high-income countries following the emergence of nitrazepam—a group of synthetic opioids potentially more dangerous than fentanyl.

 

As per the findings of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), global drug trafficking has had an enormous impact. It is estimated to be worth USD 650 billion, contributing 30 percent to the overall illicit economy. Estimated values for specific drugs include:

 

Heroin: $100 billion to $110 billion
Cocaine: $110 billion to $130 billion
Cannabis: $75 billion
Synthetic drugs: $60 billion

 

The total global figure for the illicit drug industry is approximately $360 billion, with a realistic annual turnover of around $400 billion.

Understanding the Global Network of Illicit Drug Trafficking,

The global drug trafficking market is in a constant state of evolution, undermining economic and social development while contributing to crime, instability, insecurity, and the spread of HIV.

Drug trafficking networks involve individuals, criminal organizations, and cartels engaged in various activities, including cultivation, production, transportation, and distribution of illicit substances. These activities span borders, making drug trafficking a transnational issue that necessitates international cooperation and law enforcement efforts. Traffickers adapt quickly, using encrypted communication, stealth methods, and diversifying routes. To gain insight into global drug trafficking statistics, it’s crucial to understand its scope. Here are some key facts:

Afghanistan: A major player in drug trafficking worldwide, Afghanistan is the primary source of heroin. The global heroin market is valued at over $130 billion annually.

Mexico: An active participant in drug trafficking, Mexico sees an estimated $25 billion worth of illegal substances smuggled into the United States each year, creating a significant avenue for cross-border trafficking.

Colombia: Responsible for 70% of the world’s cocaine supply, Colombia holds a prominent position in the drug trade.

Venezuela: Serving as a central hub for drug trafficking, Venezuela handles more than 200 tons of cocaine annually.

Asia: Opium and heroin production thrives in the golden triangle countries of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

Systematic operation of drug trafficking (Source: Dept. of Special Investigation, Thailand)

These figures underscore the global impact of drug trafficking. Addressing this complex challenge requires coordinated efforts among multiple countries and law enforcement agencies, given the immense profits generated by the illicit drug trade. Investigations indicate that proceeds from drug trafficking are increasingly being used to finance terrorism and support armed groups, raising concerns about narco-terrorism in this area.

Online drug trafficking has also played a significant role in the global expansion of the illicit drug trade. These marketplaces operate on the dark web or darknet, which can be accessed through special browsers such as Tor. They closely resemble standard e-commerce websites, including images, customer reviews, and detailed drug listings. Users can purchase substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and even drugs claiming to be branded prescription medications. Additionally, criminal drug networks leverage social media platforms to establish new markets and reach uninformed buyers. 

'The annual sales of drugs on the dark web have surged to $315 million, a substantial increase from the $80 million reported in 2017. The trend toward contactless drug peddling has intensified, especially since the Covid-19 outbreak, thanks to the dark web. While this figure represents only a fraction of the entire drug trade, it underscores how extensively crypto-markets have reached client categories that were traditionally reluctant to source drugs from street vendors.'

India's role in the global drug trade: insights and challenges,

 

India, with its unique geographical position and socio-economic factors, plays a significant role in the global drug trafficking landscape. Let's delve into the details:

Approximately 62% of dark net transactions originating from India are related to buying drugs and drug-related chemicals. This statistic underscores India's active participation in the illicit drug market.

India serves as a primary market for opiates worldwide. An astonishing 39% of the world's opiate users reside in South Asia. Trafficking incidents and illicit opium cultivation are prevalent, especially in India's northeastern region.

In fact, India’s direct connection to the notorious Golden Triangle—linking Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos—establishes it as a major player in the drug trade. Its proximity to opium-producing regions further enhances its influence. India’s northeastern states, often referred to as the ‘Seven Sisters,’ share a border with Myanmar. This border region plays a crucial role in the global opium and methamphetamine trade, making India a vital transit point within Asia’s drug network. Despite efforts to combat drug trafficking, the Golden Triangle remains a deadly hub. Its repercussions extend beyond Asia's borders, affecting global stability and security.  The UNODC drug report noted that traffickers in the Golden Triangle have also found ways to integrate themselves into other illegal markets, such as wildlife trafficking, financial fraud, and illegal resource extraction. 

While Myanmar remains central, other Indian states also contribute. Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka act as mini transit points. The country produces enough opium to meet its domestic demand and even exports the surplus. The illegal drug industry, spanning from cultivators to end-users, operates extensively within the country. Networks transport opium to states like Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and beyond, where it is processed into heroin and other narcotics. Recent drug seizures and arrests in Tamil Nadu and Kerala highlight the need to focus on these regions.

 

Not only this, Opium is cultivated legally in 26 districts across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Unlicensed cultivation also occurs in states like Himachal Pradesh and Manipur. Farmers harvest opium bulbs, which contain a sticky and bitter latex used in narcotics production. In summary, India’s illicit drug trade is significant, both domestically and internationally. Efforts to combat this issue involve multiple police agencies, but challenges persist.

India’s annual earnings from drug smuggling and narcotics,

The exact revenue from drug smuggling and narcotics in India is challenging to quantify precisely due to various factors such as volume, quality, region, and demand-supply dynamics. However, here are some relevant points:

In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) detected 623 smuggling cases in India, averaging nearly 2 cases per day. The contrabands seized during these cases were worth approximately ₹3,500 crore.

Rough estimates suggest the following international price ranges:
Hashish: ₹5-10 lakh per kg.

Meth (Methamphetamine) and heroin: ₹2-5 crore per kg.

Collaboration between the Government of India, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) aims to address these challenges through capacity building and training.

Keep in mind that these figures represent only a portion of the overall drug trade, and the impact extends beyond monetary value. India’s illicit drug industry is multifaceted and significant. 

 

India’s vast and diverse terrain, including porous borders and remote regions, poses significant challenges for surveillance, interception, and tracking of drug trafficking routes. Ambiguities in drug-related laws and gaps in enforcement create opportunities for traffickers to exploit legal weaknesses. Additionally, some law enforcement personnel may be susceptible to corruption or collusion with traffickers, making it difficult to detect and address internal corruption. Given that drug trafficking networks operate across international borders, cooperation with neighboring countries becomes crucial. However, diplomatic complexities can hinder effective coordination and information sharing. Strengthening legislation and improving judicial processes are essential steps.