THREAD: What is Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle and how it impacts India?
Golden Crescent region of South Asia - comprises of Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan - which is a principal global site for opium production and distribution.
Golden Triangle is the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers. The Golden Triangle is called so because of the triangular shape formed by the locations of New Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan on a map.
India is wedged bw worldโs 2 largest areas of illicit opium production, Golden Crescent & Golden Triangle, that has made Indian borders vulnerable to drug trafficking. It flows from 2 fronts, NW & NE, that possesses dual concern - violation of border & threat to national security
- Golden Crescent is worldโs leading opium and cannabis producing region since 1983.
- Its proximity to Indo-Pak border has worsened the trafficking of hashish and heroin into Indian soil
- Trafficking happens through the border states of J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- Golden Triangle is leading opium producing region of the South-east Asia, also an ancient narcotics supply route to North America & Europe.
- Myanmar-Northeast nexus is recognized by NCB as the root of heroin & chemical drugs
- Myanmar produces 80% of heroin produced in world