Trafficking in Narcotics—India & China Regional Agreement

Last week we mentioned that India had agreed to ratify a regional Agreement concerning piracy and armed robbery against ships at sea. That agreement applied only to countries in Asia. Today, there is more evidence that Asian nations are working together to strengthen law enforcement within that region.

India and China have agreed to team up to combat trafficking in narcotics.^[1] In the first meeting between the drug control agencies of India and China, the two countries have “agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation on issues relating to trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursor chemicals and drug abuse.”^[2] The two countries believe that “dangerous drug cartels” are flourishing in India and South East Asia, with ecstasy and methamphetamine becoming increasingly worrisome.^[3] These so-called “synthetic” drugs are quickly rising in popularity as opium remains one of the largest narcotics exports from the “Golden Triangle”^[4] area.^[5] In addition to drug profits being used to increase exports, regional analysts are concerned about the profits being funneled to various terrorist groups.^[6]

Mechanisms will be established to facilitate the instant exchange of information on drug trafficking, and the “Asian neighbors will also focus on ‘demand-supply reduction’ to curb the problem.”^[7] In addition to agreeing to hold a new round of talks in China,^[8] the two countries agreed to place ephedrine, pseudo-ephedrine, and acetic anhydride on their “priority control lists” because they are essential chemicals in the production of heroin and meth.^[9]

Both India and China, along with the United States and scores of other nations, are parties to the Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988.

---

[1] Maya Singh, India, China Agree to Combat Drug Trafficking Together, Newkerala.com, Jan. 16, 2006; India, China Agree to Enhance Cooperation on Drug Trafficking Issues, India Daily, Jan. 16, 2006; India, China to Curb Drug Trafficking, Silicon India, Jan. 16, 2006.
[2] India Daily, supra note 1.
[3] Singh, supra note 1.
[4] The Golden Triangle is the border between Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.
[5] Singh, supra note 1.
[6] Id.
[7] Silicon India, supra note 1.
[8] Id.
[9] Singh, supra note 1.