Seized Drugs Vanish: Exposing the Nexus Between Cartels and Officials

Seized Drugs Consumed by Rats? 

In April this year, an unusual and perplexing case emerged from Jharkhand, raising eyebrows and sparking controversy. The Jharkhand police reported that a staggering 19 kilograms of seized narcotics had mysteriously vanished from their custody, with the official explanation being that the drugs had been consumed by rats. This bizarre claim quickly drew public attention and scepticism, as it seemed implausible that such a huge quantity of narcotics could simply be devoured by rats. 

The incident came to light during a court proceeding in Dhanbad. The investigating officer, while deposing before the judge, revealed that the confiscated drugs—specifically 10 kilograms of cannabis and 9 kilograms of marijuana—could not be presented as evidence. The officer's explanation was that the drugs, stored securely within the police station, had fallen victim to a rodent infestation. 

The case has since sparked a broader debate about the accountability and transparency of law enforcement agencies in handling seized drugs. Critics argue that the incident is just the tip of the iceberg and that seized drugs routinely go missing in India. 

Seized Drugs Worth ₹5 Lakh Crore Vanished?

The Probe spoke to journalist B.R. Aravindakshan from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, who has been diligently investigating a similarly perplexing case. Aravindakshan previously penned a letter to the Home Secretary, seeking a response from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the baffling disappearance of 70,772.544 kilograms of heroin, a consignment valued at approximately 5 lakh crores. This enormous quantity of drugs, seized within India, mysteriously vanished without a trace.

While speaking to The Probe, Aravindakshan shared insights from his research on the matter. "My detailed study on the subject revealed that such a huge consignment simply went missing," he said. "To date, the government has not been able to provide any concrete answers on the whereabouts of the missing drugs."

The issue at hand revolves around significant inconsistencies between the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reporting and the data provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the seizure of heroin in India between the years 2018 and 2020. According to the NCRB reports, a total of 22,263.1 kilograms of heroin was seized across India in 2018, and there was a seizure of 55,804.540 kilograms of heroin in 2020.

However, the data furnished by the MHA tells a different story. In response to an Unstarred Question No. 1173 during the 255th session of the Rajya Sabha on December 8, 2021, and Unstarred Question No. 3097 during the 256th session on March 30, 2022, the MHA reported that only 19,691.155 kilograms of heroin was seized in 2018. This presents a glaring discrepancy of 2,571.945 kilograms when compared to the NCRB data for the same year. Furthermore, the MHA stated that 50,000.387 kilograms of heroin were seized in Sikkim and 3,200.172 kilograms in Manipur.

What is particularly baffling is that the concerned authorities in both Sikkim and Manipur have categor

Seized Drugs Consumed by Rats? 

In April this year, an unusual and perplexing case emerged from Jharkhand, raising eyebrows and sparking controversy. The Jharkhand police reported that a staggering 19 kilograms of seized narcotics had mysteriously vanished from their custody, with the official explanation being that the drugs had been consumed by rats. This bizarre claim quickly drew public attention and scepticism, as it seemed implausible that such a huge quantity of narcotics could simply be devoured by rats. 

The incident came to light during a court proceeding in Dhanbad. The investigating officer, while deposing before the judge, revealed that the confiscated drugs—specifically 10 kilograms of cannabis and 9 kilograms of marijuana—could not be presented as evidence. The officer's explanation was that the drugs, stored securely within the police station, had fallen victim to a rodent infestation. 

The case has since sparked a broader debate about the accountability and transparency of law enforcement agencies in handling seized drugs. Critics argue that the incident is just the tip of the iceberg and that seized drugs routinely go missing in India. 

Seized Drugs Worth ₹5 Lakh Crore Vanished?

The Probe spoke to journalist B.R. Aravindakshan from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, who has been diligently investigating a similarly perplexing case. Aravindakshan previously penned a letter to the Home Secretary, seeking a response from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the baffling disappearance of 70,772.544 kilograms of heroin, a consignment valued at approximately 5 lakh crores. This enormous quantity of drugs, seized within India, mysteriously vanished without a trace.

While speaking to The Probe, Aravindakshan shared insights from his research on the matter. "My detailed study on the subject revealed that such a huge consignment simply went missing," he said. "To date, the government has not been able to provide any concrete answers on the whereabouts of the missing drugs."

The issue at hand revolves around significant inconsistencies between the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reporting and the data provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the seizure of heroin in India between the years 2018 and 2020. According to the NCRB reports, a total of 22,263.1 kilograms of heroin was seized across India in 2018, and there was a seizure of 55,804.540 kilograms of heroin in 2020.

However, the data furnished by the MHA tells a different story. In response to an Unstarred Question No. 1173 during the 255th session of the Rajya Sabha on December 8, 2021, and Unstarred Question No. 3097 during the 256th session on March 30, 2022, the MHA reported that only 19,691.155 kilograms of heroin was seized in 2018. This presents a glaring discrepancy of 2,571.945 kilograms when compared to the NCRB data for the same year. Furthermore, the MHA stated that 50,000.387 kilograms of heroin were seized in Sikkim and 3,200.172 kilograms in Manipur.

What is particularly baffling is that the concerned authorities in both Sikkim and Manipur have categorically denied that such quantities of heroin were ever seized by their agencies.

Aravindakshan also filed a petition before the Delhi High Court in the matter. The petition emphasises the critical importance of accuracy and integrity in the data published by the NCRB. It states: "Considering the paramount importance placed on the reports published by the NCRB and the communications with political representatives, it is crucial that these numbers are not just figures but facts built with authenticity and accountability."

Where Did Drugs Worth 5 Lakh Crores Go?

The issue of heroin seizures in India between 2018 and 2020 has raised serious concerns due to significant discrepancies between different official reports. These discrepancies not only cast doubt on the accuracy of the data but also have profound implications for national security, social stability, and the economy. Here is a detailed account of the reported seizures and the ramifications of the missing heroin.

2018 Seizures

• NCRB Report: The National Crime Records Bureau reported the seizure of 22,263.1 kilograms of heroin in India for the year 2018. This figure was published in the NCRB’s official records, which are widely relied upon for policy-making and enforcement strategies.

• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA): Contrary to the NCRB’s data, the MHA reported a significantly lower figure. According to their records, only 19,691.155 kilograms of heroin were seized in 2018. This discrepancy amounts to 2,571.945 kilograms of heroin, raising questions about the accuracy and reliability of these figures.

• Specific State Seizure Discrepancy: Adding to the confusion, the MHA claimed that Sikkim was responsible for the seized drugs amounting to 15,000 kilograms of heroin in 2018. However, no agency within Sikkim has taken responsibility for this seizure, leaving a substantial gap in accountability and transparency.

2020 Seizures:

• NCRB Report: For the year 2020, the NCRB reported the seizure of 55,804.540 kilograms of heroin in India. This represents a substantial increase compared to 2018 and indicates a heightened level of drug enforcement activity, at least on paper.

• MHA in Rajya Sabha: During the 255th and 256th sessions of the Rajya Sabha, the MHA provided detailed data on drug seizures. They reported that 50,000.387 kilograms of heroin were seized in Sikkim and an additional 3,200.172 kilograms in Manipur. These figures were disclosed in response to Unstarred Question No. 1173 and No. 3097.

• Discrepancies: Despite the MHA's claims, authorities in both Sikkim and Manipur have denied seizing these quantities of heroin. The Sikkim State Police, in particular, confirmed only negligible seizures, which starkly contrasts with the MHA’s reported figures. This inconsistency highlights a critical issue in the documentation and reporting processes.

Magnitude of Missing Heroin

Cumulatively, the discrepancies in the reported figures for 2018 and 2020 suggest that a staggering 70,772.544 kilograms of heroin have effectively disappeared from seizure records. This missing quantity, if accurate, represents a massive failure in the enforcement and tracking of narcotics within the country. The estimated market value of the missing heroin is approximately ₹5 lakh crore. The disappearance of such a vast quantity of drugs has several severe implications. 

On October 14, 2022, the petitioner filed a Right to Information (RTI) request with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), seeking details of the actions taken regarding the discrepancies in heroin seizure data. On October 21, 2022, the MHA responded, indicating that the complaint had been forwarded to the Joint Secretary (Internal Security-II) under Diary No. 2498657/HS. Since then, however, there have been no further updates or progress reported on the matter.

The petitioner argues that their representation has been stagnant, caught in the bureaucratic process for an extended period. The petition asserts that it is now imperative to move beyond mere words and implement practical actions that are crucial for the welfare and betterment of society. There has been a call for initiating an investigation into this matter, ensuring that the veracity of the data produced by organisations like the NCRB is upheld.

Delhi HC Seeks Answers from MHA on Missing 70,000 kg of Heroin

The Delhi High Court in May this year demanded a response from the Centre regarding Aravindakshan’s petition. Justice Subramonium Prasad issued a notice to the Centre and asked it to provide its reply soon. The matter is expected to come up for hearing again in September. 

Big Talk but No Action on the Ground

The Union government has consistently blown the trumpet about its efforts in combating the drug mafia. Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently claimed that the quantity of drugs seized under the Modi government is 30 times higher than that under the previous administration. 

Shah has been vocal on social media, releasing a series of posts and videos showcasing the Modi government's successes in dealing with the menace of drugs. However, despite these high-profile claims and extensive self-promotion, questions remain about the government's effectiveness in tackling the drug mafia.

In fact, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Annual Report 2023 has provided a comprehensive overview of the drug trade landscape in South Asia, shedding light on the evolving challenges posed by drug trafficking, terrorism, and the Internet. With nearly 40% of the world's opiate users residing in South Asia, the region faces huge challenges in tackling drug abuse and trafficking.

India, in particular, has emerged as a key market for opiates, with a rising number of trafficking incidents and illicit opium cultivation in India’s northeastern states.

The report also highlights the rising incidents of narco-terrorism. The Deputy Director General of India’s Narcotics Control Bureau stated in the context of the report that investigations indicate proceeds from drug trafficking are increasingly being used to fund terrorism and support armed groups. This exposes the grave implications of ineffective drug enforcement and the critical need for stringent measures to combat the nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism.

The flow of drugs through ports in India continues unabated, revealing severe lapses in enforcement and security. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Report for 2021-22 mentions a massive seizure of 2,889 kilograms of heroin at Mundra Port, owned by Adani Port & SEZ. This haul, valued at ₹21,000 crore, stands as one of the largest single seizures of heroin ever recorded globally. In a similar incident in September 2020, heroin worth ₹9,000 crore was seized from the same port. The situation took a more troubling turn when Jobanjit Singh Sandhu, one of the accused in the ₹21,000 crore Mundra Port drug haul case, escaped from police custody. Sandhu managed to slip away after being transported from Kutch to Amritsar to be produced in court for a separate case.

This escape was seen as a severe blow to law enforcement agencies and raised critical questions about the security protocols in place during the transportation and custody of high-profile detainees. The government's narrative of rigorous action against the drug mafia is starkly contrasted by these glaring lapses in security and enforcement. 

The Extent of the Crisis

India faces a huge drug problem, which has escalated in recent years, impacting public health, social stability, and economic development. According to the National Comprehensive Survey conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, there are more than 60 million drug users in the country of which a large number of users are in the age group of 10-17 years.

The World Drug Report 2023 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlights that India is among the top countries affected by the opioid crisis. The report states that India accounts for nearly 10% of the global opioid consumption. This is exacerbated by the trafficking of drugs across India's borders, with large quantities of heroin and synthetic drugs being smuggled from neighbouring countries like Afghanistan and Myanmar.

Furthermore, the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India 2019 indicated that around 2.8% of Indians (about 31 million people) reported having used cannabis products within the past year. Additionally, the survey found that around 8.5 million people in India were using sedatives and inhalants, which are commonly abused by younger populations.

India's drug problem has escalated significantly, as highlighted in the Narcotics Control Bureau's (NCB) 2023 report. The report indicates a dramatic increase in drug seizures and the complexity of drug trafficking networks. From 2014 to 2022, the amount of seized drugs in India surged from 1.52 lakh kilograms to 3.73 lakh kilograms, with the value of these drugs skyrocketing from Rs. 768 crore to Rs. 22,000 crore. This increase reflects not only heightened enforcement but also a growing supply of narcotics flooding into the Indian market​​​​.

The proliferation of synthetic and designer drugs is a major concern. Recent NCB operations have uncovered large-scale distribution networks for synthetic drugs, including a notable seizure of over 15,000 blots of LSD. The ease of access to these drugs through online platforms, including the dark web and illegal online pharmacies, has made enforcement more challenging and has increased the availability of these substances to the public. This trend towards cyber-enabled drug trafficking is a key shift in the drug trade. 

Moreover, the NCB report exposes a worrying link between drug trafficking and terrorism. Proceeds from drug trafficking are increasingly being used to fund terrorist activities and support armed groups, complicating national security efforts. This nexus adds urgency to the need for a coordinated approach to tackling the drug problem, involving multiple government agencies and international partners.

Drug Cartel and Officials Nexus Exposed

The Probe reached out to a senior law enforcement officer stationed in the northeast, who offered a candid assessment of India's drug crisis under the condition of anonymity. The officer emphasised that the drug problem in India is much more severe than it appears on the surface. "Even if you catch the consignments, the truth is that you will not be able to actually catch more than 10 percent of the actual consignment. Law enforcement usually only skims the surface. If we catch 3 trucks, the real problem is there would be 30 more trucks behind and we won’t be able to catch them," the officer explained. 

The officer further revealed a troubling reality: in many areas, there is a tacit understanding between drug cartels and law enforcement officials. "The cartels say that for the government system to keep functioning, you can show this much drugs as seized. Sometimes the officials are so deeply entrenched with the cartels that it is very difficult to break the nexus," the officer noted. This collusion between drug traffickers and some corrupt officials hampers efforts to tackle the drug trade effectively, allowing a large portion of narcotics to pass through undetected and unchallenged.

To address this issue, the officer suggested that substantial strategic changes are necessary to disrupt the operations of the Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent cartels. These regions are key sources of drugs that enter India through well-established smuggling routes and robust networks managed by Indian drug cartels. Breaking these networks requires comprehensive and coordinated efforts, including stricter law enforcement, international collaboration, and systemic reforms to eliminate the deep-rooted corruption that facilitates the drug trade. 

The Golden Triangle, encompassing Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, is one of the world's leading opium-producing regions. Opium cultivated here is processed into heroin and trafficked globally, including into India. The mountainous terrain and political instability in this region facilitate the illicit drug trade, making it difficult for law enforcement to control the production and trafficking effectively.

Drugs from the Golden Triangle enter India primarily through the northeastern states, such as Manipur and Mizoram, which share a porous border with Myanmar. This route is a critical corridor for heroin and methamphetamine smuggling.

Indian drug cartels collaborate with traffickers from Myanmar to move narcotics into the Indian market. These networks extend into major Indian cities where the drugs are further distributed. The high demand for heroin in India provides a lucrative market for drugs from the Golden Triangle, leading to a robust supply chain managed by organised crime groups.

On the other hand the Golden Crescent includes parts of Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, with Afghanistan being the largest opium producer globally. The heroin processed from Afghan opium finds its way into India through various trafficking routes primarily through the western borders, particularly in states like Punjab and Rajasthan. The drugs are often concealed within legitimate cargo or smuggled across the border through underground tunnels.

India also serves as a transit point for heroin destined for other countries. Indian drug cartels play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of these drugs. Indian drug cartels are deeply integrated with their counterparts in the Golden Crescent, ensuring a steady flow of narcotics. The financial proceeds from these operations often fuel further criminal activities and even terrorism.

While we are yet to hear from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on the whereabouts of the missing seized drugs, the fact remains that even if we find answers, larger issues persist. The pressing question is whether the government will genuinely attempt to dismantle the entrenched nexus between government officials, particularly within law enforcement, and drug cartels.

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