Despite numerous attempts to stop it, the international community still faces significant challenges as a result of terrorism financing. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
Model Answer Introduction India's strategic location between the 'Golden Crescent' (Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan) and the 'Golden Triangle' (Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand) exposes it to significant internal security challenges, primarily due to rampant drug trafficking. This illicit trade is intricRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India’s strategic location between the ‘Golden Crescent’ (Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan) and the ‘Golden Triangle’ (Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand) exposes it to significant internal security challenges, primarily due to rampant drug trafficking. This illicit trade is intricately linked to various other criminal activities, amplifying the complexity of the security landscape.
Linkages Between Drug Trafficking and Other Illicit Activities
- Drug Trafficking and Gunrunning
- The revenues generated from the drug trade are often funneled into purchasing illegal firearms, contributing to escalating violence.
- Fact: A United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report indicates that firearms used by criminal groups in Punjab are often financed by drug trafficking activities.
- Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering
- Profits from drug sales are frequently laundered to disguise illegal income, thus expanding the underground economy.
- Fact: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) estimates that drug trafficking generates approximately $320 billion annually, with a significant portion laundered to appear legitimate.
- Drug Trafficking and Human Trafficking
- These illicit activities often intersect; human trafficking networks may be used for drug transport, and drug addiction can facilitate human trafficking.
- Fact: The U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report 2020 highlights cases where victims were forced into addiction, making them easier to control and exploit.
Counter-Measures
- Strengthening Law Enforcement
- Enhance the capabilities of police and border security forces through advanced training and modern equipment to combat drug-related crimes effectively.
- International Cooperation
- Foster collaboration with neighboring countries and international organizations like UNODC to dismantle transnational criminal networks.
- Enhancing Legal Frameworks
- Regularly review and update existing laws, such as the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs Act, 1988, to address evolving threats effectively.
Conclusion
India’s proximity to major opium-producing regions necessitates robust and dynamic countermeasures. By strengthening law enforcement, enhancing international cooperation, and updating legal frameworks, India can effectively tackle the complex nexus of drug trafficking and related criminal activities.
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Terrorism financing involves the solicitation, collection or provision of funds with the intention that they may be used to support terrorist acts or organizations. Funds may stem from both legal and illicit sources. The primary goal is to sustain the activities of the terrorist organizations in theRead more
Terrorism financing involves the solicitation, collection or provision of funds with the intention that they may be used to support terrorist acts or organizations. Funds may stem from both legal and illicit sources. The primary goal is to sustain the activities of the terrorist organizations in the longer run.
Steps taken to curb terrorist financing include:
Despite these measures, terrorism continues to receive funding. Terrorism financing continues to be a major challenge due to the following reasons:
Countries need to assess terrorism financing not just on a periodic basis but also to ensure that as circumstances change, their policy resources are aligned to tackle new and emerging terror financing risks. In this context, India hosted three major international meetings and conferences related to countering terrorism and terrorism finance in 2022.
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