‘New Golden Triangle’ of drug trafficking emerging across Burma, India, and Bangladesh, warns expert

Representational Image. File Pic

Amid the rising concerns of India emerging as one of the most favourable options for drug traffickers across the globe, human rights expert and Director of the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG), Suhas Chakma, has warned that Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh are three of the fastest-emerging countries for drug trafficking.

He also highlighted that India is emerging as the "New Golden Triangle" for drug trafficking, urging the authorities not to take this lightly. The human rights expert also alleged the involvement of Bangladeshi Parbattya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) in the illegal drug trade.

While posting on social media platforms, Chakma cautioned Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha that they overlook reports linking the PCJSS, led by Jyotirindra Bodhipriyo Larma (Santu Larma), head of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council, to narcotics trafficking activities.

Suhas Chakma further said that, "The main risks from failed states are terrorism, arms smuggling, drug smuggling, and human trafficking," Chakma stated.

"Burma was once infamous for the Golden Triangle comprising Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Today, Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh have become the new Golden Triangle," he added.

Citing past judicial findings, Chakma also noted that the Guwahati High Court, in its judgement on September 5, 2024, had also termed the PCJSS a terrorist organisation in connection with a major 2013 arms seizure investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Furthermore, the recent incidents appear to underscore these concerns. Earlier on October 18, Bangladeshi security forces recovered large quantities of Burmese cigarettes, liquor, cosmetics, and firearms allegedly linked to the PCJSS following a tip-off from a social media user.

Also on June 19, 2025, the Assam Rifles seized drugs worth Rs 10 crore in Mizoram's Lunglei district, reportedly associated with the same group.

Human rights expert Chakma also pointed to an increase in drug-related cases under the NDPS Act registered against individuals of Chakma origin in Lunglei district since 2024.

He further added that, "Whether these cases are directly linked to the PCJSS may never be known, but the trend is deeply concerning."

Mizoram and Tripura have been grappling with a surge in narcotics inflow. Between January and September 2025, Mizoram's Excise and Narcotics Department registered 87 cases and arrested 112 individuals in Champhai district alone, seizing over 8.7 kg of heroin and 86 kg of methamphetamine in 2024.

"Drugs kill indiscriminately, and our youth - the future of the nation - are being destroyed," Chakma warned.

"When a foreign armed group, operating from one of the most hostile governments to India, is involved in smuggling everything from narcotics to cosmetics, it cannot be treated with the usual approaches," he added.