Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 28 December 2024
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are facing an alarming issue as increasing quantities of illicit narcotics are being discovered washed ashore on its beaches. The most recent incident occurred on 26th December 2024, when a cuboid-shaped package containing 1.26 kilograms of cocaine was found on the Car Nicobar seashore near the Mus Lighthouse. This follows a string of similar occurrences, including the seizure of approximately 16 kilograms of heroin earlier this year at B-Quarry Beach by Campbell Bay Police. In 2023, the Andaman and Nicobar Police recovered 1.1 kilograms of cocaine from the shores of Tillangchong Island.
The issue of drug-laden packages washing ashore is not new to the region. Since 2020, the islands of Car Nicobar and Little Andaman have been dealing with methamphetamine, packed in Chinese tea packets, washing ashore in significant quantities. The Methamphetamine washed ashore in Car Nicobar and Little Andaman is suspected to have originated from a Myanmarese vessel intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard in 2019. During the interception, the crew is believed to have jettisoned large quantity of narcotics to avoid detection. The aftermath of these events was devastating: the methamphetamine found on Car Nicobar led to widespread addiction among hundreds, if not thousands, of locals, with the drugs even reaching as far as Kerala. Similarly, heroin that washed ashore in Campbell Bay also made its way to Kolkata.
These incidents raise critical questions about the scale of drug trafficking in the region and the vulnerabilities of the Andaman waters. The recent seizure of over 6,000 kilograms of methamphetamine from a Myanmarese vessel in November 2024 highlights the possibility that the Andaman Sea is being used as a major route for drug trafficking. The islands’ geographical proximity to Myanmar—a global narcotics hub and one of the largest drug-producing regions in the world—is a likely factor contributing to the increased smuggling activities.
The recurring discovery of high-value narcotics raises concerns about the effectiveness of regional maritime security and surveillance measures. Illicit drugs washing ashore not only threaten the health and productivity of the island’s population but also pose the risk of escalating local consumption and demand. Such a rise in demand could give rise to drug trafficking, with anti-social elements potentially resorting to using the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a transshipment hub for smuggling drugs to other parts of the world. This would become increasingly likely if these elements establish connections with international drug trafficking networks to meet the growing local demand.
The presence of dangerous narcotics poses a severe risk to the island communities. Addiction, health complications, and non-productivity are immediate threats, while a long-term increase in crime and societal degradation looms large. Left unchecked, the narcotics influx could have devastating consequences for the islands’ socio-economic fabric.
Addressing this growing threat requires immediate and sustained action. Local law enforcement agencies need to be equipped with better resources for maritime patrolling and surveillance. Additionally, community involvement can play a pivotal role in curbing this menace. Incentivising residents to report stray drugs or drug-related activities by offering substantial cash rewards, government jobs, or guaranteed business loans could encourage greater participation. Such measures could strengthen trust between law enforcement and the community, ensuring a united front against drug trafficking.
The problem of drugs washing ashore on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is no longer a series of isolated incidents but a systemic issue demanding urgent attention. Collaborative efforts between law enforcement, local authorities, and the community are essential to prevent the islands from becoming a hub for drug trafficking and addiction. Proactive steps taken today will safeguard the future of these pristine islands and their people from the scourge of narcotics.