New Delhi, March 7: The drug trafficking route from Nepal to Sri Lanka, passing through India, has come back under the scrutiny of security agencies. This route, which had been relatively quiet for some time, is now showing signs of renewed activity. It is being used for the smuggling of hash oil and charas.
In a multi-state operation conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Chennai and Hyderabad, approximately ₹100 million worth of hash oil and charas has been seized.
This operation is part of the central government’s initiative to combat drug abuse in India. An official stated that there is a significant demand for hashish and charas in Sri Lanka. In recent years, the country has witnessed a sharp rise in drug abuse cases, leading to increased demand and supply from drug cartels.
Officials noted that Sri Lanka, located in the Indian Ocean, has become a strategic transit point for drug trafficking. Drugs are being smuggled not only from Nepal but also from Afghanistan, routed through Pakistan and Iran.
Traffickers have turned South India into a transit hub for these drugs. The shipments typically reach the coasts of Tuticorin or Kodikkarai. From there, they are handed over to Sri Lankan associates at sea through a network.
Authorities have indicated that these landing points are not new; they have been in use for a long time. Previously, opium-like drugs were brought here, and Sri Lankan traffickers exchanged them for beedis.
According to NCB officials, Trincomalee, Galle, and Colombo are key entry and exit points for drugs in Sri Lanka.
The drug trafficking business has surged significantly. In the past, only a few cases were reported every couple of months, but in 2024 alone, Sri Lanka recorded 35,000 drug seizure cases.
Another official mentioned that not only marijuana, hashish, or charas, but also the demand for methamphetamine has rapidly increased since 2019.
Once drugs reach Sri Lanka, traffickers collaborate with local individuals, including criminals, fishermen, and organized gangs, to package and distribute them throughout the country.
According to Intelligence Bureau officials, the route from Nepal to Sri Lanka has been increasingly utilized in recent months. One reason for this is the heightened security along the Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
While this route is not new, the concerning aspect is its increased usage. Indian agencies are working closely with counterparts in Nepal and Sri Lanka to combat this trafficking.
Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard is also playing a crucial role by intercepting fishing trawlers leaving South India for inspections.
An official revealed that this racket, operated from Nepal, is controlled by a Sri Lankan national who coordinates with associates in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nepal to transport drugs to South India.
He has also established a network in Tamil Nadu to facilitate the easy transfer of drugs to Sri Lankan waters.
Officials state that this ongoing operation aims to identify all potential loopholes that traffickers might exploit to expand their network.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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