Illegal Cross-Border Drug Trafficking; A Case Study of India and Sri Lanka

Abstract

The usage of illegal narcotics is gathering momentum in status quo in a severe way. Thousands of human lives are swallowed by those harmful drugs daily. On the other hand, drug trafficking has become a huge crime in the maritime security domain. Under this circumstance, the security of the states has threatened to a greatest extent. Trafficking of illegal drugs through marine lines has become the most cardinal way of dispensing them in prevailing conditions. In this context, the Region of South Asia can be identified as one of the most powerful square and the countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and India can be recognized as the prominent hubs of distributing and selling narcotics. With regard to that, due to the geographical close proximity to India and the strategically situated in the basic roots of drug trafficking, Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle, Sri Lanka also has become a main house of distributing those illicit narcotics. Additionally, Sri Lanka serves as a hub for the transshipment of heroin into the nation, which primarily originates from Indian regions. Heroin trafficking from Indian regions, such as Kerala, for domestic consumption might be described as the most significant drug issue in the modern age. Parallel to this, drug trafficking has grown to be a serious danger to both states' security and peace. Additionally, it has had an impact on the bilateral relationship's economic concerns, trust, and cooperation, as well as its diplomatic concerns. The study has largely identified the dangers to the harmony of India and Sri Lanka's bilateral relations. Finally, the study offers a variety of suggestions for reducing the trafficking of illegal drugs. The research was conducted using both primary and secondary sources in a qualitative manner.