Source: DH
Context: The Smuggling in India Report 2023-24 by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sheds light on evolving narcotics smuggling routes and the major drug hubs impacting India.
About Smuggling in India Report 2023-24:
- Major Narcotics Hubs:
- The Death Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan) as a primary heroin source.
- The Death Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) for synthetic drugs and heroin, affecting northeastern states like Manipur and Mizoram.
- Trafficking Routes:
- Maritime Routes: Drugs concealed in shipping containers and fishing vessels due to India’s vast coastline.
- Land Routes: Porous borders and difficult terrain along the Indo-Myanmar region facilitate drug entry.
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- Key vulnerable sectors include Moreh and Churachandpur (Manipur) and Zokhawthar (Mizoram).
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- Air Routes: Increasing use of international air traffic for smuggling via luggage, courier packages, or drug mules.
- Significant Seizures:
- 123 kg of methamphetamine confiscated in Assam and Mizoram during April-September 2023.
About Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI):
- Origin: Established in 1957.
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
- Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
- Functions:
- Preventing and investigating smuggling of narcotics, gold, counterfeit currency, and wildlife.
- Collaborating with international agencies to combat transnational crimes.
- Enforcement of the Customs Act and related laws.
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