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19 Smuggling in India Report 2024-25

c. Modes of traĜcking

Drug trafficking is a complex global trade that relies on a variety of methods and
modes to move illicit substances from production to consumption. These methods
are constantly evolving to evade law enforcement and exploit new technologies
and vulnerabilities.

Land routes

The modus operandi of using vehicles with hidden compart-
ments is widely employed in the trafficking of marijuana and
heroin.

Sea routes

Drugs are commonly concealed in maritime
shipping containers, or in boats sailing along the
Indian coast.

Air routes

Cocaine, heroin, and hydroponic weed are commonly
concealed in passenger’s baggage or body. Drugs are also
trafficked through air cargo and courier consignments.

d. Domestic manufacturing of drugs

India has a well-developed and large chemical and pharmaceutical industry, pro-
viding easy access to the precursor chemicals required for synthetic drug produc-
tion. Although these chemicals are regulated, traffickers find ways to divert them.
Legal drugs like tramadol and codeine-based cough syrups are diverted for abuse.

In recent years, there has been a disturbing rise in the unauthorised manufactur-
ing of synthetic drugs, often operated by drug cartels. In FY 2024-25, DRI has
busted 3 factories/labs involved in the manufacturing of synthetic drugs such as
mephedrone. These labs were found set up in secluded places, as well as in indus-
trial areas.

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