India has partnered with Tanzania to combat drug trafficking through a new MoU. Tanzania is heavily impacted by drug smuggling, serving as a transit point. The UNODC reports increasing drug issues in Africa, supported by significant drug seizures in both nations. The Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) in India aims to enhance maritime law enforcement against narcotics.
India and Tanzania have strengthened their collaboration to fight drug trafficking with a newly established Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, is significantly impacted by drug trafficking, especially as a transit point for heroin and cocaine. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) World Drug Report 2024 highlights Africa’s increasing struggle with drug smuggling and new drug combinations, urging international cooperation to address these challenges.
In 2024, Tanzania’s drug enforcement authority recorded a historic seizure of 2,300 tonnes of illicit substances, demonstrating the scale of the issue. In India, the National Drug Control Bureau (NCB) reported a remarkable surge in drug seizures, with a 160% increase in seizures and a 210% rise in cases from 2014 through December 2023, compared to the earlier period of 2006-2013, indicating a pressing need for concerted action.
Furthermore, the value of drugs confiscated in India climbed from Rs 7.68 crore to Rs 22,000 crore within the same timeframe, underscoring the urgency of the drug crisis. To combat narcotics trafficking through maritime routes, the Indian government has created the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), which includes various stakeholders such as the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and local maritime authorities to strengthen law enforcement efforts.
The collaboration has led to ongoing investigations by the Narcotics Control Bureau, with 59 cases under scrutiny between 2020-2022, showcasing India’s commitment to curbing drug smuggling. Through this international partnership, India and Tanzania aim to enhance their capabilities in drug enforcement, protect public health, and ensure regional security against the backdrop of a growing global narcotics problem.
In summary, the new MoU between India and Tanzania marks a pivotal step forward in combating drug trafficking. By sharing resources and knowledge, both countries aim to address the drug epidemic more effectively. The increasing numbers of drug seizures and investigations demonstrate the urgent need for improved cooperation among nations to tackle the transnational drug trade.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
