Covid-19 impact on narcotic trafficking is ringing alarm bell along Siliguri 'Narco' Corridor

Siliguri: Trafficking and consumption patterns of heroin are also witnessing strong impact of Covid 19 lockdown. The change, as observed by United Nations research study, is now surfacing along Siliguri (Narcotic) Corridor. The infamous drug trafficking route that runs through the districts of northern West Bengal with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan or Tibet at stone throw distance.
"Seizure of narcotics, including heroin, is common in border areas close to this route (Siliguri Corridor). But the frequency has gone down significantly since the onset of Covid-19 lockdown," said S. Bandopadhyay, IG, Siliguri Frontier, Sashastra Seema Bal(SSB). SSB guards India's International borders with Nepal or Bhutan. These two unique international borders allow citizens of either side to cross zero line without passport or visa.

Bandopadhyay's observation clearly fits the views of a recent research paper of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. “Mobility restrictions, closed borders and a decline in overall world trade can disrupt the supply chains of drug markets," said the paper.

According to ‘Narco-trafficking’ experts of intelligence, around 150 km stretch of NH 17, 27 and 31 in northern part of Bengal through Siliguri with Assam-Bengal Border in east to Bengal-Bihar border in West is known as the ‘Siliguri Corridor.’ At many places the corridor comes within 10 km from Nepal, Bhutan or Bangladesh and 150 km from Tibet.

With easy connectivity to Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh or South East Asian countries and smooth surface link to Delhi or Mumbai centric domestic or international operators, the corridor is a highly preferred route by the international traffickers- explained the experts. As estimated, the value of trafficking through this route amounts to over Rs 200 crores a year.

"Sudden changes in the supply and availability of drugs can in turn trigger changes in consumption behaviors," said the UN paper. Supporting that, state intelligence officials said, "Restricted trade movement has increased local level inventory along the corridor. That has slashed local pricing and thus increased consumption."

As learnt from unconfirmed sources, the price of poor quality heroin has gone down to Rs 100-200 for each gram from usual price of Rs 500 in and around Siliguri. Eventually, more and more are becoming addicted to it. "This is equally alarming to the pandemic, if not more," said noted social activist Arup Guha.