Decoding Narcoterrorism in Jammu and Kashmir: An Emerging Threat

-Dr.Paridhi Billore

( Research Analyst ) National Security(CAPS)

CENTER FOR AIR POWER STUDIES

Abstract: The paper begins by highlighting the rise of Narcoterrorism, a threat emanating

from the frontiers of Jammu and Kashmir. The red alert concern is Pakistan-based terrorists

pumping in narcotics across the valley. The trifecta set amongst the illegal manufacturers of

these drugs, smugglers for transit and underworld kingpins for grassroots level distribution of

drugs through pedlars. Using subversive methodologies, the acts of Narco-terrorism run in

coherence with the mafia and boost the illegal arms and ammunition trade often opening

fronts for sinister crimes like human trafficking, slavery etc.

Context

Just after a month of commemoration of the 26/11 attacks that shook Mumbai, the reigns of

terror are breathing a new lease of life afresh. A plummeting rise in valley with the supply of

heroin, cocaine and opium from the footfalls of Kandahar has wrecked a havoc for the

Kashmiri civilians since a decade. Seizures have been made of narcotic contingents as large

as 11227 kgs along the 553 km India- Pakistan international border. This seems to depict the

emboldening picture of narcoterrorism across the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and

Punjab. The drones are not only smuggling in illegal weapons and IEDs but also cheap gold-

1
Narcoterrorism and India’s security, Kshitij Prabha, 25 Apr 2008
coated coins from Pakistan mostly for funding the stone pelting activities across the Kashmir

valley. India is geographically wedged between the two illicit opium producing hotbeds,

tagged as the “Golden crescent and Golden triangle”.2 The Golden triangle comprises of

Myanmar, Thailand and Laos on the north east border whereas 3The Golden Crescent

comprises of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan bordering the Northwest frontiers. The heroin

and Hashish siphoned from Kandahar in Afghanistan via the Balkan route tracing from Iran

and Turkey finds a huge market in Europe. The southern route which operates via Iran and

Pakistan is the major challenge for India. The terror outfit Lashkar -e-Taiba (LeT) has been

working in collaboration with the Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI to fund Mujaheeds who

indulge in acts of terror across the Kashmir valley.

Going back in history, the notoriously famous Opium wars fought in the 19th century have

been documented to be the first narcotic wars that fuelled the British economy. The opium

wars not only profited Britishers hugely but they also handicapped a sizeable population by

rendering it useless addict. The famous Chinese scholar, Sun Tzu, describes in his book “The

art of war”, methodology of winning the war without fighting it in battlefield. It refers to the

break down the enemy machinery, by slow but gradual process of hollowing out the

foundation. The drug usage has been rocketing amongst the youth of Jammu and Kashmir by

means of drug syndicates.

KASHMIR: - THE FIREBOWL OF NARCOTERRORISM

3
The Golden Crescent and HIV/AIDS in Central Asia: deadly interactions, Chris Beyrer  May 16,2011
The issue of psychotropic and substance abuse has been skyrocketing in the 4Kashmir valley.

Drug abuse saw a major hike in the youth under the age category of (17-33) years .

According to the report, ‘Magnitude of substance abuse in India’ by Ministry of Social

Justice and Empowerment in 2019, the level of opioid abuse was at all-time high in Jammu

and Kashmir. Nearly 4.9% of six lakh individuals in J&K were addicted to poppy husk,

cannabis, smack and pharmaceutical opioids. Although Heroin was most popular

psychotropic substance in use, but the opium based painkillers Spasmo-Proxyvon and

Codeine Phosphate was also witnessing a high rise. Very recently brown sugar or unrefined

low-quality heroin was also pedalled for ecstasy and recreational purposes. A very surprising

finding saw significant rise in indulgence of females not only for peddling of drugs but also

smoking pot and crack, this falling prey to further exploitation. Jammu and Kashmir had

become the fifth highest area with poppy crop in any state in country after Madhya Pradesh

and Uttar Pradesh where legal farming of opium is under heavy scrutiny.

According to study by 5IMHANS, Institute of Mental Health and neuroscience, nearly 17% of

youth were addicted to narcotic and other psychotropic drugs prominently ATS

(Amphetamine type substance) that was used by truck drivers to stay alert while driving at

night. Nearly 70000 substance abusers and 52000 IV heroin injectable users were recorded in

Kashmir. This wide range of drug abusers nearly surmounting to 6 lakh, were spending on an

average INR 88000 per year for a cocktail of heroin and Hashish. The most common way of

substance abuse was either by inhalation of fumes, snorting or by IV needles directly

injecting the drug in the body. In 2015 survey, 6Médecins Sans Frontières, an international
4
The war against drugs in Jammu and Kashmir, Ayaz Wani ,
31st Jan, 2023

5
Pattern and prevalence of substance abuse in Kashmiri population: a review Arjimand Yaqoob*, Sharika
Ashraf, Feb, 2022

6
Drug addiction-related crime: A new worry stalks Kashmir , Apr 10, 2023
ANANDO BHAKTO
independent humanitarian organization reported that nearly 1.8 million adults experienced

depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder after long term drug abuse. Owing to

unhygienic means of drug intake such as “Flash blood or khoon booze” there was a huge

hike in cases reporting hepatitis c infections amongst youngsters. This method involved the

intravenous technique of drug administration where an individual injected himself with blood

extracted from another drug user. This was a way to experience substance intoxication to

combat drug withdrawal. This is a very risky affair since it directly involves direct injection

of blood leading to an open invitation or AIDS and hepatitis C. Medicinal opioids and its

derivatives such as Cannabis, benzodiazepines, cocaine and alcohol was used together

indicating to polysubstance drug abuse.

TRACING THE DRUG ROUTES: -

The major concern for curbing the issue of Narcoterrorism addresses the routes via which

these drugs are smuggled. The focal point of drug cultivation lies in South west region of

Afghanistan namely Hilmand, Kandhahar ,Uruzgan and Zabul. The Afghan drug

consignments are pushed to Pakistani units where they are processed. From there, the

finished goods are transported to Gwadar Port under scrutiny by state agencies. These drugs

are carried via shipments to Mandvi port in Gujarat. The city of Unjha in the North Gujarat is

known as Asia’s biggest spice market. This gives an effective camouflage to drug pedlars

who conceal Heroin as harmless cumin seeds. Thereafter these drugs are transported via

trucks along with other bags of spices to Northern India and Punjab. A second route is framed
which carries drugs from Pakistan to Kashmir through safer conduits such as 7Keran village

in Kupwara and from there later on to Rajouri border near to Jammu and finally to Indian

mainland. According to data by Narcotics control Bureau, around 70% of drugs smuggled in

India travels via Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal. The large-scale seizure of marijuana,

cocaine and Amphetamine stimulants from the ports of Mudra and Tuticorin clearly indicate

towards the usage of ship fleets for drug transportation. The quantum of drug exported is

done in miniscule amounts via couriers, parcels or postal services to avoid interception by

Law enforcement agencies. The recent seizure of 200 kgs of Heroin off the Kochi coast has

indicated towards involvement of8 Iranian Dhow in transportation and shipment of these

drugs. The Chahbahar and Bandar Abbas Ports in Iran have been scrutinized due to

interception of drugs probably from Pakistan for a mid- sea exchange in the Arabian Sea.

Thereafter, these drugs were supposed to be handed over to Sri Lankan Vessel. This marks

the Southern Route from Afghanistan to Makran coast of Iran and Pakistan and there onwards

to Indian Ocean. Trafficking of heroin is also facilitated by the D- company, the Nigerians,

the Afghans and Kenyan syndicate who do not shy from employing women and children for

their selfish profits. In a recent crackdown near Muzaffarabad, Heroin worth 100 crore was

seized in a truck. The international drug Baron, Happy Singh, Alias Harjinder Singh was

involved in this consignment deal. Across the international borders in Kathua and Samba

district, these drugs were being passed through PVC pipes under the fencing to avoid

detection by security forces.

MONEY GAME AND NARCOTICS

7
Heroin seizure from Iranian dhow: NCB continues to grill accused, Hindu , Oct 8 , 2022

8
ISI’s K2 desk was handling terror suspects: Probe, The times of India , 16 Jan, 2023
 The economical transaction behind this drug peddling has some mind-boggling numbers. For

instance, 1 gram of Heroin in Kupwara is priced at Rs. 1300-1600 but in Srinagar the prices

shoot up to Rs. 3500-4500 which is almost double the value. Since one kilogram of Heroin

originating in 9Afghanistan, transcribing across Pakistan fetches nearly Rs. 5 Lakh in South

Asia and unbelievable price of Rs. 5 crores in international market, giving a margin profit of

Rs. 990 crores. The boost in activities of Narcoterrorism is clearly catalysed due to

exponential profits pocketed in international markets and the state supported machinery.

The money surmounting to such huge profits when falls in wrong hands sees the domino

effect as prevalent in the valley. According to the 2002 data, out of all the international

attacks that took place world-wide, 60 percent took place alone in India. These attacks were

largely spearheaded by terror outfits who were trained in Al- Qaeda camps in Afghanistan. It

is widely documented that the Pakistani intelligence unit ISI, had funded and supported this

groups. Since Narcoterrorism requires logistical and intelligence support, its implementation

without the unholy alliance with ISI and Pakistani army is impossible. The siphoning off of

Indian money via Hawala transactions, over seas investment of black money and even more

recently bitcoins and dark web portals have been proving safe havens for functioning of terror

groups in silos. The recent reports on ISI colluding with Khalistan terrorists to establish “K-2

(Kashmir -Khalistan) desk” came as another red flag alert for the Indian intelligence.

According to the Print10 the ISI seems to be pushing its drug money funds for targeted

killings of Right-wing Leaders. The killing of Shaurya Chakra recipient Bal winder Singh by

two sharp shooters working under Gangster named Sukhmeet Singh Pal sent high levels of

resentment against the nexus of Hizbul Mujahideen. The Special cell of Delhi Police busted

the alleged gang of Kashmir based terror outfit, Hizbul Mujahideen who on the directions of

9
Two narcotic smugglers arrested in J-K’s Kupwara, 4.5 kg heroin-like substance recovered, The Print, 2023

10
ISI was trying to link with Khalistan issue. In his recent address, the Director General of

police, 11Mr. Dilbagh Singh was quoted stating “Narco-Militancy” has emerged as new

significant challenge for security forces in Jammu and Kashmir where terrorists are deploying

drones and using tunnels for transportation of drugs.

REASONS OF RISE IN DRUG TERROR IN J&K: -

Since 1990s Kashmir had been the hotspot for insurgency, due to large scale infiltration by

Pakistan backed terrorists. The socio-cultural fabric of society was brutally damaged by the

large scale killing of Kashmiri Pandits, frequent internet cut offs, imposition of president’s

rule, cordon searches by army, article 144 implementation, stone pelting issues after Friday

prayers in mosque and the biggest stimulus to this given by death of Burhan Wani. ISPR or

Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan is the media and PR wing of Pakistan Army that had

exploited the death of Burhan Wani by making him a national Hero. Not only this but the

false depiction of Kashmiri Muslims plight has kept the issue alive in the minds of people

across the globe. Pakistan based terror groups often attack the pilgrims visiting Amarnath and

thus even gravely damaging the trust factor amongst tourist class. Lesser infrastructure for

primary schooling and education and no career opportunities after graduation, further had

worsened the scenario. Cumulatively these factors led to large scale unemployment in the

areas of Jammu and Kashmir and pushed the youth into chronic depression

With the recent crackdown by NIA on PFI (Popular front of India) which has

alliances with banned organization of SIMI (Students’ Islamic Movement of India)

and IM (Indian Mujahideen), the financial choking of these terror outfits clearly

11

Pakistan trying to push terrorists, narcotics and arms into J&K, The Hindustan Times, 4March, 2023
 showed symptoms. The external funding received by 12Qatar-Turkey-Pakistan “QTP”

Axis is said to have links with Pakistan- controlled jihadist ecosystem in Afghanistan

that includes Taliban and Al-Qaeda. The terror funding separatist’s organization came

under the radar due to financial transaction being done for real estate buying and

selling. It was later confirmed that the money was to be diversified and invested to

sponsor Kashmiri terrorist outfits, and Madrasas to incite, misguide and radicalize the

youth of Jammu and Kashmir. This frenzy has been unleashed amongst the separatists

after abrogation of article 370 which has been an eye sore for Pakistani ministers.

Also, the sudden demonetization in 2016 left the terror funding groups with least

amount of money in hand for circulation. It countered the huge challenge of Fake

Indian Currency Notes. The revival of Hawala transactions shows the reactivation of

one of the most infamous routes to channel out money for illicit activities. Pakistan’s

ISI funnels out black money through hawala circuits to fund weapons and narcotics

smuggling whereas the Madrasas have opened an undeclared source of funds in the

name of religious fundings. This is done incognito via shell companies and NGOs and

termed as civil societies quoted by NSA Ajith Doval. These hybrid methods have

been effectively pumping crores of funds for creating havoc in the valley.

SECURITY CONCERNS: -

India has been facing security threats and a possibility of 2 and half front war. There have

been multiple attempts to destabilize the stability and economic growth of the country by

keeping it engaged at borders. The Chinese PLA at the eastern border is outrightly supporting

the North Eastern insurgency fuelling the secessionist ideology. On the western front, the

looming danger of Pakistan sponsored terrorists trying to infiltrate in country has become a

significant security concern. Issues of stone pelting on armed forces by Kashmiri youth had

12
The global heroin market, United nations office on drugs and crime, 2021
seen coming of age phenomenon whilst primarily such issues were not red flagged. The arrest

of class 10th student from Mendhar sector , Poonch district had raised concerns about the of

drug nexus established at such grassroot level. The local inhabitants staying in the area near

the India – Pakistan LoC fence also known as 13Anti-Infiltration Obstacle system ( AIOS) in

Jammu and Kashmir have often reported of Pakistani living on the other side of LoC visiting

houses to peddle drugs and weapons and to gather inputs about the security forces deployed

to guard the valley. Drones are used to siphon off drugs and weapons altogether. According

to a US report, a large cache of weapons that had been seized by Taliban after the US

withdrawal from the Afghan soil have started surfacing in Kashmir. The seizure of M4

carbine assault rifles, M16 rifles and other US made arms and ammunition from 2 terrorists

neutralized in Awantipora district shows that Pakistan is arming the militant organizations for

terror infliction. Uri attack and Pulwama blast were classic examples how this drug syndicate

and illegal ammunition influx can pose internal security threat. A historical example has been

the FARC or the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia People’s Army which had

simplified the drug transaction by simply trading one kilo of highly pure cocaine for one AK-

47 rifle that was parachuted into the jungle of FARC’s territory. Hence a strong connection

between the drug cartels and illegal ammunition trading is very obvious.

CHALLENGES TO SECURITY AGENCIES IN NARCO TRADE CRACKDOWN:

On the eve of 143rd “No Money for Terror” Ministerial conference on Counter terrorism in

New Delhi, the Prime minster and the EAM S Jaishankar, matted out their joint concerns on

sources which are funding terror activities and proxy wars. The vigilance by United Nations

Security Council, Financial Action Task Force, Financial Intelligence Units, and the Egmont

13
Anti Infiltration Obstacle System, Journals of India, Novemebr 9 , 2020

14
Group was praised to prosecute illegal funds. Yet full-fledged breakdown of the drug

peddlers can be catalysed by following of Anti-drug trafficking laws in stringent manner. The

evolution of cyberspace has led to mushrooming of millions of anonymous donations as

funding for terror groups via Dark web portals, cryptocurrencies. The terrorists adopt

substitute mechanisms such as Cryptocurrency and bitcoins to evade being tracked by

security agencies. Since the method of payment is lucrative, hassle free and without the

involvement of middle man, it’s gaining a high paced momentum amongst the narco

terrorism trade circles. Following this the issue of money laundering needs to be addressed. It

is the process by which drug traffickers and terrorist organizations covert bulk of illegitimate

money via hawala or hundi system into white money, without leaving any paper trail.

Taking the cue ahead from the narcotic free India, this year the General Assembly of the

Interpol was hosted in New Delhi. This was followed by special session of the United

Nations Security Council’s Counter -Terrorism Committee that took place in Mumbai on the

agenda of curtailing the sources of terror funding. The government has been trying to curb

this menace of increasing drug terror by calling for a joint scrutiny on the matter. The

massive success owed to the crackdown on anti-social elements of society by the security

forces namely BSF has been the spine breaker for these terror masterminds. The successful

foiling of plans has led to a sizeable number of drugs; nearly 1.5 Lakh kilograms captured

and destroyed under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav target. Yet, the union home minister had

clearly highlighted the dilemma faced by BSF. Although they are highly integral to fight off

Narco terrorism, yet the right to register the case lies with the state authority. This produces a

conflicting state of affairs where in the politicising of issues promote drug trafficking. The

need of the hour is a greater collaboration between the investigating agencies such as NIA,

NCB and states altogether to free the country from the clutches of Narco terrorism. Recalling
the words of A.O Hume who had commented on the taxation of controlled substances such as

Charas and Hashish in the 18th century, “Put the onus on the government that earned revenue

from the destruction of its own citizens”. Although the government is tightening the security

yet keeping a watch on opium cultivation in the south-west Kashmir should be more

tightened. The effective tracing of dropping points of contrabands coming via Punjab can

counter narcotic influx. Along with Narcoterrorism, kidnapping, extortion human trafficking,

sex slavery, organ trade is also seeing an all- time high. The drug money is also used for

contract killings, gold smuggling, prostitution, camel jockeys, financing of real estate or

Benami property to circumvent land ceilings. Hence the issue of Narcoterrorism is not

domestic, rather it affects many lives globally.

WAY FORWARD : -

Owing to its geographical location, it has always been the focal point of terrorism crediting

its tacit support from its western neighbour. The latter has often exploited porous borders and

infiltrated a huge amount of narcotic and psychotropic substances in our country. The profit

thus gained, is used for subversive activities leading to destabilization of peace causing grave

national security implications. Since past two decades, the jihadist ideology has compelled

the minority community to join hands with their alliances. Pakistan has always put-up clear

display of non-abiding demeanour of international rules to curb Narco terrorism. The United

Nations general assembly passed a convention in 1989.Under Article 5 of this convention the

member nations are placed under an obligation to not recruit, finance or train any such

mercenary, infringement of which could land the signatory country responsible for its act.

The International Convention for Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism – recognition of

financing of terrorist activities is a standalone piece of criminal action. This includes curbing
down trans-boundary show banking or shadow banking that facilitates the proceeds of

Narcoterrorism. The Benami account transfers money through a series of fake bank accounts

whereas the 15‘Casinos of Nepal’ provide safe havens for conversion of black money into

legitimate white money in exchange of an underhand fee. Hence the need of the hour is to

formulate stringent laws to target the evasive loopholes from where these terrorists can easily

escape. Another important aspect is regulation of flow of chemical precursors necessary for

processing of heroin. The smuggling of pharmaceuticals such as codeine-based cough syrups,

injectable buprenorphine and dextropropoxyphene needs to be widely checked. The Indian

Directorate of Revenue intelligence had seized a clandestine laboratory which was involved

in MDMA and methaqualone powder making unit. According to the Central Bureau of

Narcotics in Gwalior, the strict licensing system has brought down the illegal drug

trafficking. Even the state governments are coming down heavily on the usage of poppy

straw. Another important role is of the identification of Acetic Anhydride which is controlled

under NDPS act and hence can be used to trace the location of illicit drug manufacturers.

Another issue is delinking of the religious ideology from the fanatics of terror who hide

beneath the cloak of Maulvis or Ulemas and spread their jihadist propaganda often

misleading the youth. The youth needs to be guided to avoid falling prey to subversive

ideologies. The only way out to curb the menace is through checks at airports, borders, ports

and airports and vindictive actions by Revenue department, NCB and anti-narcotic agencies.

Anti narcotic crime control module has been set up for training of law enforcement agencies.

The use of digital mapping and satellite imagery, thermal imagery etc. can be also brought in

for marking the cultivation sites of opium and heroin. Borders infringement rules and

punitive actions against the mavericks is very essential. A very important quote by Sun tzu

15
https://www.unodc.org/pdf/india/publications/south_Asia_Regional_Profile_Sept_2005/12_nepal.pdf,
Nepal, 20
says , “To defeat your enemy, you must become your enemy”. To defeat Narcoterrorism, one

must know where does the problem arise.