Drug Cartels and Organised Crime in India: Legal Challenges and Judicial Responses

The problem of drug trafficking and organised drug networks has emerged as a significant challenge to the Indian legal system. It has also affected public order, health, and the national security of India. Drug cartels operate through complex and decentralised networks that extend beyond conventional drug trafficking. It may involve conspiracy, financial crimes, corruption, cross-border activities, and the use of highly sophisticated and advanced technologies. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 is the primary Statutory framework for controlling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India. The Act provides stringent measures against illicit trafficking, financing of illicit trafficking, and harbouring offenders. However, the evolving nature of the organised drug network poses substantial challenges relating to drug trafficking. Due to its sophisticated and highly complex nature, drug trafficking put hurdle in investigation, evidence collection, financial tracing, inter-agency coordination, digital evidence, etc. The paper adopts a doctrinal and analytical research methodology based on primary and secondary legal sources. This paper will argue that although India possesses a substantial statutory framework for combating illicit drug trafficking, the effectiveness of the existing regime is affected by institutional, technological, and cross-border enforcement challenges. In its conclusion, the paper will propose some legal and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the investigation and prosecution of drug cartels through preserving constitutional safeguards and the principle of Fair criminal justice.