New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) Indian security agencies have intensified their focus on combating the issue of narcotic trafficking, particularly concerning contraband that emerges from the Golden Crescent region, which spans Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Authorities have reported a significant increase in activities linked to the Golden Crescent, with Pakistan allegedly facilitating the smuggling of vast amounts of narcotics into India.

This surge in operations is a clear indication that operatives based in Pakistan are attempting to generate funds for terrorist activities targeting India.

According to estimates from security agencies, approximately 65% of narcotics entering India originate from the Golden Crescent, while the remainder comes from the Golden Triangle, which includes Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.

Officials have noted that narcotic smugglers from Pakistan are increasingly channeling drugs into South India, particularly affecting Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

After satisfying local demand, these drugs are then smuggled to Maldives and Sri Lanka. Initially, the narcotics reach Gujarat and Maharashtra before being distributed throughout northern and southern India.

In the northeastern states, operations are primarily managed by cartels from the Golden Triangle, as confirmed by an official.

Given the rising intelligence inputs indicating that narcotic smuggling activities from Pakistan are escalating, a high-level meeting was convened involving officials from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NVB), the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), and the Indian Navy.

It was resolved to enhance surveillance efforts to intercept drugs arriving from the Golden Crescent. Agencies are particularly monitoring high-speed boats and smaller fishing vessels.

Recently, cartels have also turned to commercial shipping containers to smuggle larger quantities of drugs, predominantly consisting of charas and methamphetamine.

With reports of a notable uptick in drug smuggling, India has been collaborating closely with international agencies to combat this issue.

"It is essential that we not only take domestic action but also work alongside international agencies," stated an official.

Given its geographical location as a primary entry point to the Golden Crescent, India is poised to take a leadership role in these efforts.

Despite ongoing attempts to escalate drug smuggling, officials report that activities have decreased over the last three months due to heightened vigilance and coordinated efforts among multiple agencies to counter this threat.

In addition to disruptions in the Golden Crescent supply chains attributed to regional instability, Indian agencies have committed to addressing this serious issue.

Officials confirm that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed a clear mandate for a drug-free India.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed all government departments to devise a detailed roadmap leading up to 2029, establishing a time-bound review mechanism for its execution.

He noted that a nationwide campaign will be launched over the next three years aimed at rapidly advancing towards a drug-free India.

An official from the Intelligence Bureau indicated that if supplies from the Golden Crescent decline, efforts will be made to increase operations from the Golden Triangle.

The cartels in these regions are interconnected and should not be viewed as isolated entities.

The strategic plan moving forward will involve coordinated efforts from multiple agencies to address cartels operating from both the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle.