Desert Drones and the Drug Trade

Rajasthan has emerged as a new hub for drug trafficking with the help of drone technology. Traditionally, Punjab was the centre of the drug trade in India, but shifting geopolitical dynamics and effective law enforcement in that region have compelled traffickers to explore alternative routes.

Drones are now being utilized to transport drugs across borders, allowing traffickers to evade detection by traversing difficult terrains. Rajasthan’s geographical features, including its vast deserts and proximity to international borders, create a perfect environment for these.

Traffickers are adapting by redirecting their operations to Rajasthan, utilizing its vast and sparsely populated desert areas as conduits for smuggling illegal substances. Consequently, the burgeoning drug trade not only poses risks to local communities but also demands a more strategic response from security agencies tasked with curbing these illicit activities.

∆The Rise of Drug Trafficking in Rajasthan-

23 cases of Heroism smuggling have come in the last two and a half years in four districts of Rajasthan, which are near to Pakistan. In Rajasthan, one battalion is responsible for looking into 50 kilometres of area. Here, the drug smugglers are treating these places like havens. Many of the smugglers have family relations with people in Rajasthan, and hence comes the ease of drug smuggling here. The State’s arid terrain provides ample cover for traffickers to operate, facilitating the transportation of Narcotics. Socio-Economic factors, including Poverty and Unemployment, have made Rajasthan vulnerable to the drug trade.

∆Role of Drones, Closed-Circuit Televisions and Satellite imagery Methods in Modern Trafficking-

Universally adopted tools that facilitate law enforcement tasks. These Aerial vehicles can traverse difficult terrains, avoiding traditional checkpoints and monitoring systems. According to UNODC, law enforcement agencies have benefited from the intelligence provided by drones in Anti-Drug Trafficking efforts.

• Drones:-

The use of Drones enables traffickers to bypass ground surveillance and coordinate deliveries. Modern Drones are capable of carrying heavy loads; traffickers may move more guns and ammo in a single operation. The use of Drones gives access to new markets by enabling them to contact consumers in areas that were unreachable. The deployment of Drones in Rajasthan’s desert terrains has transformed the operational capabilities of drug traffickers.

• Closed- Circuit Television –

CCTV Cameras placed help in monitoring high risk areas such as Border Crossings, Ports and Urban Centres allowing for surveillance.

• Satellite Imagery-

High-resolution satellite Imagery aids in monitoring Remote Areas and tracking Transportation Routes.

∆Comparing Trafficking Routes: Punjab V/s Rajasthan-

In Punjab, there is a Batallion every 20-30 kilometres; in Rajasthan, there is a Batallion at a 50-kilometre stretch, which is a blessing for smugglers. The Golden Triangle formed by Punjab, Afghanistan and Pakistan has historically fed a growing addiction crisis across Northern India. Recently, police arrested one Swaroop Singh for supplying heroin in Punjab and Delhi. Punjab has effectively reduced some Trafficking operations. This shift has resulted in traffickers seeking new bases of operation, ultimately leading them to Rajasthan.

The Geographical Characteristics of Rajasthan offer significant advantages for drug smuggling. Rajasthan witnessed an increase in cases related to narcotics -1878 cases lodged in 2018, which increased to 2589 in 2019,2731 in 2020 and 2989 in 2021. The intermingling of highways and border routes provides traffickers with numerous pathways to transport. Rajasthan’s vast desert region allows traffickers to transport goods without being easily stopped.

∆Response of the Government to Drug Trafficking Issues-

1) A Senior Official familiar with the development stated that Rajasthan has areas where the poppy husk is grown, such as Chittorgarh, Pratapgarh, Thalwar and Kota.

2) The State used to give licences for its cultivation, but this has been stopped. To restrict the increasing cases of smuggling of Narcotic substances, the Rajasthan police department has proposed setting up a special investigation team headed by an ADG rank official.

3) The Government intensified its efforts to combat trafficking networks in Rajasthan. This includes the implementation of stricter surveillance measures and collaborative operations between agencies. The Chief Minister said that according to the changing times, the police should make maximum use of information technology and various platforms on social media.

The Government is beginning to address the challenges posed by drug trafficking in Rajasthan. Funding for law enforcement, community outreach programs and collaborations with local NGOs to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use.

∆Conclusion or Way Forward-

Drug Trafficking is a major issue in India and the Global Market. Technology has emerged as a new potential means to combat drug trafficking. The Government has to emphasise the problem of drug trafficking with the latest security technology, as drug trafficking is a threat to National Security.

Moreover, Rajsthan solidifies its position in trafficking networks. The dynamics between State and federal law enforcement will become critical in regulating these illegal operations. Furthermore, most of the drug trafficking and selling is used to fund Terror and Criminal Groups, which is a threat to any country. Overall, Concerted efforts from various Stakeholders will be essential to mitigate the impact of drug trafficking on society.